Traditional Leader Urges Girls to Have a Clear Vision to Excel in Education
By Vincent Bwinga
Senior Group Village Headman Jodi has urged the students, especially girls, to have a clear vision of the future they want and be focused in their education to achieve it.
He said this at Therere CDSS in Nthalire during a role modeling event organized by the Justice and Peace Desk of Karonga Diocese. Addressing students, SGVH Jodi said many girls go to school without any dream for the future. Education, for them, means nothing more than pastime; as such they easily fall into the trap of early marriages.
“Girls don’t make yourself cheap, tell your boys that no education, no Love. Everything else should wait, your education first.” The traditional leader said. He urged girls to report to any traditional leader if anyone tries to disturb their education.
During the same event, a female role model, Lumbani Kawonga, encouraged girls to work hard in school to achieve their dreams.
Lumbani Kawonga, a 22 year old primary school teacher shared her life experience highlighting the difficulties she overcame to be what she were. She expressed that most of her contemporaries at the school fell prey to early marriages and dropped out of school.
Lumbani Kawonga is the pride of Therere CDSS since she did her Junior Secondary education at the same school.
Reacting to Lumbani Kawonga’s story, Juliana Sibale said it was rare and strange to find educated girls in the area. The 17 year old girl said many girls in their area face challenges and many resign to them. She advised her fellow students to refrain from behaviors that might ruin their.
Lack of role models in Nthalire and many areas in Chitipa District demotivates many girls from going further with education. The role modeling activity is a deliberate attempt by the Justice and Peace Desk to promote girl child education.
The activity brought together students, teachers, chiefs, parents and Women Rights Group members from Nthalire zone. This is one of the activities under Community Managed Women and Girls Rights Advocacy Project (CMWRA) funded by CAFOD.