Ntcheu District Education Network has warned community leaders in the district against promoting child marriages.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with community leaders at Ntcheu Boma, the network’s chairperson Richard Nkhonjera said child marriages were contributing to school dropouts among girls.

He said the district needed to revamp local education structures to address the problem.

“We want every child to be in school because their future depends on education. We believe that with collaboration from stakeholders, we will achieve the objective,” said Nkhonjera.

Nkhonjera addresses community leaders during the meeting

Ntcheu district social welfare officer Rodwell Chunga said besides child marriages, drug and substance abuse among youths is affecting education in the district.

“Youths who abuse drugs and substance are difficult to instruct. They also do not see the need to work hard in school. In the end, they drop out,” he said.

Chunga appealed to partners such as non-governmental organisations to engage youths on good behavour to help them continue with their education.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Gomani V, who is World Vision Malawi ambassador on ending child marriages, said he will dethrone traditional leaders who condone child marriages.

World Vision Malawi is one of the partners supporting Ntcheu District Council to improve education standards and ensure that every child access education

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