By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, August 10, Mana: People in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mpherembe in Mzimba North have expressed concern over increased cases of school dropout amongst children whose parents own or work in estates.

The concern was raised by Chairperson for Mpherembe Area Development Committee, Edison Mwira during commemoration of Day of African Child at Mpherembe Community Day Secondary School.

Mwira said most children whose parents work in estates abscond from school and completely dropout especially during farming seasons.

"It is sad that I stand here to request government and stakeholders to help us resolve this challenge. We cannot achieve education for all in such a situation.

“As a committee, we have embarked on sensitization campaigns on importance of children to remain in school however there is still a lot that needs to be done because parents who work in estates are migrant in nature, hence affecting their children’s education," said Mwira.

Director for Education and Sports Services for Mzimba North, Mercy Mayuni said that her office has also noted that most learners in estates do not sit for examinations especially when examination coincide with harvesting period.

"We have since started working with structures such as school management committees, mother groups, area and village development committees in sensitizing communities against perpetrating the vice," said Mayuni.

District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba North, Hellen Simwaka warned that hindering children from going to school is a violation of the children’s rights and is an offense.

"Let me remind everyone that making children to work in the farms is against the law and we are not going to sit down and allow the malpractice continue, every child has a right to education regardless of their social status and wherever they live," Simwaka said.

The day was commemorated under the theme ’Education for all children in Africa: The time is now".