By George Mponda

Karonga, June 12, Mana; The Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS), through Child Not Pride Project, has donated balls to 20 primary schools in Karonga District to keep learners active and refrain from bad influence.

Speaking Thursday during a symbolic handover of the donation at Rukuru Primary School, Executive Director for FOCUS, Kosamu Munthali, said the donation is in response to a request by Champions of Change, a grouping of trained youth leaders who mentor and advise their peers, both in and out of school.

"The donation made to beneficiary schools in areas of Paramount Chief Kyungu and Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe aims to promote mental and physical well-being of learners through sports.

“This initiative will also boost learner enrollment hence promoting primary education in the district," said Munthali.

He added that sports can serve as a platform through which youth can engage on issues such as sexual and reproductive health and instilling self-esteem among learners.

Deputy Head Teacher for Rukuru Primary School, Ive Shankhoma, commended FOCUS for the support saying the initiative will enhance learners’ attendance in class.

"Through the Champions of Change initiative, learners encourage each other to be working hard in school. These peer-led discussions have helped learners move away from harmful cultural practices that previously affected their education," Shankhoma said.