trees in order to harvest caterpillars,the wrong method might result
in deforestation and consequently,there will be no
caterpillars
Several school going children in Mungwi District have stopped attending classes in preference for caterpillar collection.
School authorities have complained that the on-set of the caterpillar collection season has resulted in a sharp reduction in the number of pupils reporting for class.
This came to light when Mungwi District Commissioner Kaniki Bwalya visited some selected schools in Iyaya, Kalungu and Chamfubu wards.
Chanda Weyaya Primary School Head teacher Moses Mulenga told Mr Bwalya only 52 pupils attended classes against a total of 702 pupils.
At Mwangata Primary school, head teacher Ernest Chisha revealed that school which has 425 pupils only 19 pupils were in classes by 09:30Hours.
The school head teachers disclosed that efforts to engage the community on the issue have failed as some parents are reportedly encouraging their children to go for caterpillar collection and earn some money.
And Mr. Bwalya, who described that the scenario as lamentable has since directed school authorities to come up with strategies to mitigate the situation.
He said there is need to formulate a mechanism that will deter parents and guardians from taking their children away from school.
Mr Bwalya added that his office and that of the District Education Board Secretary will also consult traditional leaders on how to resolve the matter.
You teach them Calculus and cursive writing and forget to harness their environment that you can easily incorporate into their curriculum for good effect. This nonsense of pretending that poor areas will afford cake and cream must come to an end!
Just close schools in this area during this season. In schools teach the very children to be ambassadors of correct method of harvesting these caterpillars in a sustainable manner to earn a leaving. Do not always fight the local culture but enhance it; do we still have thinking people in this part of the world anymore? Of course not our politicians can assist with thinking through such matter as they are busy in Lusaka pocketing the money.
Can’t agree more. I grew up is this kind of environment but managed to qualify to go to form 1 & later study engineering at a top UK University. These habits can not change but can be managed for the benefit of the locals.