House of Chiefs Chairperson, Chief Choongo, has urgently appealed to parents and guardians across the country
o ensure that all school going children are enrolled and attending classes, in line with the provisions of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2020.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today, Chief Choongo said education is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility among all members of society.
He said the House of Chiefs passed a resolution during its last sitting in April, urging traditional leaders and communities to take a proactive role in promoting school attendance and curbing practices that keep children out of classrooms.
“As the country enters the farming season, we are appealing to parents and guardians not to engage school going children in activities such as herding animals, tilling the land, gardening and collecting wild fruits,” he said.
The traditional leader also expressed concern over the increasing number of young girls selling various goods along major highways instead of being in school, warning that such exposure puts them at risk of gender based violence and sexual harassment.
“The girl child selling on the streets is not only in danger from fast-moving traffic but is also exposed to practices that threaten her safety and dignity,” he said.
He reiterated that education empowers individuals, strengthens communities and contributes to national development.
Chief Choongo has since urged the Ministry of Education to enforce existing laws and policies that safeguard every child’s right to education and encouraged community leaders, educators and government officials to join forces with the House of Chiefs in this national effort.
