Many children in Balaka are losing their education to early marriages, forcing police officers to leave the station and head into classrooms with an urgent warning.
Speaking at St. Augustine Primary School on Friday, Balaka Police Community Policing Coordinator Sub Inspector Masautso Katemera told learners that child marriages continue to rob young people of their dreams and future opportunities.
He urged pupils to stay in school and resist pressure to marry before reaching adulthood.
“Education is the key to a better future. When learners marry early, they often abandon their education and face challenges that could have been avoided,” he said.
Katemera also warned that child marriages expose girls to serious health risks, including obstetric fistula and other reproductive complications.
Beyond early marriages, he cautioned learners against alcohol and drug abuse, saying substance use can damage mental health and ruin academic performance.
He further encouraged young people facing personal difficulties to seek guidance instead of resorting to suicide.
Headteacher Nkhufwa Mwakapeye welcomed the outreach, saying the lessons would help learners make responsible choices and remain focused on their education.
Police say working closely with schools and communities remains key to protecting children and reducing social challenges affecting learners across the district.
