By Peter Magawa

Mzuzu, August 7, Mana: Children in Mzimba district have cited shortage of teaching and learning materials and discrimination as major hindrances to attaining education for all in the district.

Speaking in Mzuzu City on Wednesday during a panel discussion organized by stakeholders ahead of commemoration of Day of African Child scheduled for 9th August, 2024, the children noted there was need for government and other stakeholders to be proactive in providing necessary needs for education for all to be achieved.

Miracle Chaputa, a learner at MZUZU C.C.A.P. Primary School said that there is need for government to train more special need teachers so that learners with special needs can also have an opportunity to learn.

"Due to shortage of teachers and schools, learners travel long distances. Now imagine a child on a wheelchair traveling a distance of over five kilometers on a wheelchair, how can he or she continue with school?

"At the same time, in these schools there is shortage of books and classrooms. In most schools you find that a class has over 80 learners and 10 learners using one text book. We need to rectify these challenges if education for all must be achieved," said Chaputa.

Another learner, Warren Mhango from Viyere Primary School noted that while government did well on allowing all children to learn together regardless of their respective challenges, learners with special needs continue to face discrimination from both teachers and fellow learners.

"The school environment needs to be conducive for all learners including those with special needs," she said.

Chairperson for Mzimba North Child Protection Committee, Nthezemu Kamanga said it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that all children have equal access to education.

"We are working with the theme: ‘Education for all in Malawi: the time is now’ because we no longer want to postpone the idea of giving access to education for all. It is something that must be acted upon now.

"As stakeholders we are ready to work together with government to eradicate all hindrances to achieving equal opportunities to education," said Kamanga.

Director of Education Services in Mzimba North, Mercy Mayuni, assured of continued support to ensure schools in the district mitigate challenges faced in the process of delivering education services.