Children from Traditional Authority Tambala in Dedza have called on authorities to address pressing issues affecting both learners in schools and the wider community.
During the first session of the 2024 Community Children’s Parliament, held at Mayani Secondary School Hall, the Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Hastings Chibwana, a Standard Eight pupil at Chtundu Primary School, highlighted several challenges.
These included insufficient learning materials, inadequate classroom blocks, forced child marriages, and environmental degradation.
In response to the children’s concerns, Group Village Head Tambala, speaking on behalf of Senior Chief Tambala, assured the children that they would strengthen by-laws to combat forced child marriages in the area.
He also urged the community to report cases of child marriage to the police, community policing forums, and child protection workers.
When contacted by MBC, Member of Parliament for Dedza North Constituency, Savel Kafwafwa, acknowledged the issues raised by the learners.
Commenting on the significance of World Vision’s support for the Children’s Parliament, Acting District Manager for Dedza, Charles Gama, noted that the Parliament provides a platform for children to voice their concerns to various authorities.
