By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, August 21, Mana: Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko has commended Learner mentors in Mchinji for inspiring young girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

The mentors, who are young girl’s school leavers from the local communities, have taken strides to encourage schoolgirls to priorities education and avoid early marriages among others.

Mdooko, visited Benjamin and Mbachundu Primary Schools in the district to witness firsthand the impact of the mentors who are part of the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) and expressed satisfaction with the work being done by the learner mentors.

“We are implementing the MERP project where we have learner mentors who have done very well in motivating girls to be in school. The mentors have even removed other girls from early marriages to be taken back to school. It is our wish to increase the number of these mentors so that this excellent work should continue,” said Mdooko.

The Deputy Minister added that they are not just motivating girls to stay in school, but also serving as role models in their communities where female teachers are few.

Mchinji’s Director of Education, Youth and Sports Joyce Hamsini, said the learner mentors have brought positive changes in the district.

“We are seeing the fruits of the learner mentors in the district, and we need to continue holding hands. Several factors force parents not to send their children to school like poverty and mere lack of interest, but with these mentors, they can be influenced to send the children to school,” said Hamsini.

Hamsini said out of 221 primary schools in the district, 110 have these mentors.

A mentor for Mbachundu Primary School, Emma Kapinga, shared her experiences and revealed the impact she has brought to the girls she mentors.

“Being a mentor, I have seen girls who were on the verge of dropping out or getting married early are now focused on their studies. Over 75 learners are now back to school here at Mbachundu Primary School.

“Other results include improved performance of the learners, low absenteeism, learners’ confidence and environmental protection.,” said Kapinga.

Kapinga owed the success to the collaboration with all the stakeholders like teachers, mother groups, and the school management committee.