All female pupils at Vuze Primary School in Kasenengwa District who were scheduled to sit for their Grade Nine examinations have failed to do so, with reports indicating that they have either fallen pregnant or entered early marriages.
District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Mathias Chuunga confirmed the development, describing it as unfortunate, especially at a time when the Ministry of Education is working to ensure every girl child has access to education.
The media reports that Dr. Chuunga said the situation is particularly worrying as some parents are believed to have supported the learners’ early marriages.
He said teachers at the school made efforts to engage the girls and their parents to encourage them to return to school, but the attempts were unsuccessful.
Dr. Chuunga added that his office will continue sensitising parents on the importance of education, noting that it is one of the most valuable investments an individual can make.
“Our teachers tried their best by visiting the affected pupils at their homes to encourage them to return to school, but all that did not yield any result. We shall continue engaging parents in the area to start valuing education if they want to see their area developed,” he said.
Meanwhile, District Commissioner Rachael Phiri said the fight against early marriages and teen pregnancies should not be left to government alone, urging cooperating partners to join the efforts.
Ms. Phiri said government is saddened by the development and will engage various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to help address the problem.
