Parent and Child Health Initiative (Pachi) has urged learners to report gender-based violence (GBV)  to relevant authorities.

Speaking on Tuesday when Pachi and Unicef officials monitored initiatives under the Adolescents Education Social Behaviour Change Project, the organisation’s Ntchisi district coordinator Angela Mbawa said they want to empower learners to speak out when they face abuse.

She said: “The learners also encourage their friends who left school to return.

Learners captured in class

“When the adolescents know why their friends are not coming to school, they discuss the issue in their platform called Ifenso Club and find out strategies to solve the problem.”

Ntchisi assistant district social welfare officer Dennis Sikwese said the project has empowered learners in the district.

“Learners now know their rights and recognise abuses they face in schools and their homes,” he said.

Sikwese urged child protection workers in the district to continue working with relevant stakeholders such as mother groups, parent and teacher associations and community youth clubs to sustain the interventions.

Mthawira Primary School Ifenso Club patron Charles Chikafa said the project has motivated learners to continue with their education.

With funding from Unicef through the Spotlight Iinitiative, Pachi is implementing the project in traditional authorities Kalumo and Chilooko in the district.

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