By Abubakar Kanjoka

Kasungu, August 14, Mana: Education authorities in Kasungu have expressed worry over inadequate sanitation facilities in primary schools, saying the situation is putting the pupils’ lives at risk.

Making his contribution on Tuesday during a training session for primary school teachers and mother groups on behavioural change communication, Boma Zone Primary Education Advisor (PEA), Willy Fula, said many primary schools have inadequate toilets to cater for the growing numbers of learners.

Fula said: “Most of the primary schools in the zone have over 2 000 pupils with only four toilets or so; meaning two for girls and two for boys.

“This challenge compromises efforts to make the teaching and learning environment safe for both teachers and learners.”

On her part, mother group member, Agnes Msewu, said lack of sanitary facilities in schools is a heck on girl child education as most girls opt to stay home when they are menstruating.

“Primary schools have inadequate or no sanitary facilities to give girls freedom of the mind when they are menstruating. This issue is common knowledge for us all.

“But we must be aware that if girls stay at home during such times, they miss lessons which affect their performance in class,” she said.

Msewu then urged fellow mother group members to encourage pupils on following personal hygiene, saying some learners go to school without bathing.

Deputy Director for Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Ronaldo Phiri who was the lead facilitator, challenged teachers that they are key agents of social change as they mostly spend time with the learners.

The engagement was part of the Kulumikiza Project, an initiative of the multi-ministry National Social Mobilisation Committee funded by United Nations Children’s Fund.

The project seeks to address issues relating to gender-based violence, child rights, disease prevention, and other related social issues through social behavioural communication.

Mana/ak/wt/thz