74 children who dropped out of school in Ntcheu have been re-admitted in various primary schools, thanks to a back to school campaign initiated by Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO).
District Manager for YONECO in Ntcheu, Sewenthe Mahwayo told YFM that 42 of the children are adolescent girls.
Mahwayo said they came up with the initiative after observing that most children in the district drop out of school due to parents’ negligence as they spend most of their time drinking beer.
“Ntcheu is dominated by the Ngoni tribe and as per their culture most people including women spend much of their time drinking beer, paying less attention to their children and of course their needs, which leaves children without academic support hence they drop out of school,” she explained.
Mahwayo however said despite facing opposition from communities, they are making strides and they will ensure that those who have been re-admitted in various schools stay in school and achieve their goals.
“We are determined to support these children academically; we follow up with their teachers on how they are performing in class and if there happen to be any challenges we assist them accordingly,” she said.
