Community members around Mangale Primary School have called for stronger measures to combat poverty, improve inadequate school facilities and enhance the enforcement of child protection laws.
These issues are significantly contributing to low retention and completion rates among girls in the area.
These concerns were highlighted during a community engagement session that was organized by a Parliamentary Committee focused on children’s welfare and protection, in collaboration with representatives from Mangochi District Council.
The engagement brought together Senior Chief Chowe, other traditional leaders, parents, Mother Groups, the School Management Committee and various community structures.
Community members pinpointed poverty, insufficient learning materials, an unreliable water supply, poor road infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities as primary obstacles to children’s education. They also voiced worries about children participating in temporary income-generating activities and the long distances students must travel for examinations because Mangale School is not a Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) examination centre.
“Poverty affects education. We need more support for families and better school facilities,” stated Enelesi Mikundi, a community member.
Furthermore, the community advocated for reinforced district by-laws, increased awareness of shared parental responsibility and enhanced teacher accommodation.
Currently, Mangale School serves 340 Standard 1 learners with only 12 teachers, which places considerable strain on the teaching and learning environment.
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