Learners at Magwero Primary School and Community Day Secondary School in Lilongwe said long distances to school has always been a major stumbling block to access quality education.
The learners made the remarks ahead of Joint Sector Review (JSR) meeting slated for August 30 to 31st.
Speaking after the 2023 pre- JSR school march which started from Kanengo Water Board to Magwero Primary School on Wednesday, one of the students Selina Banda stressed a number of challenges which need to be addressed if access to education to all is to be achieved.
The march was held under the theme ‘Transforming Education: Investing in Foundational Learning and Skills Development for a Wealthy, Self-Reliant, and Resilience Nation’.
“The main problem we face as learners is that we cover long distances to school resulting to late arrivals at school and homes. We reach schools very tired as a result we fail to concentrate in class and when we knock off, we don’t have time to study,” said Banda adding that the problem is contributing to school dropouts especially among girls.
She further said a lot of girls are sexually harrased along the way as they reach their homes very late.
Her headteacher, Estere Maliro said travelling long distances to school has greatly affected learners performances in class.
“Imagine come from as far as 15 Kilometers yet they write the same examinations with those who stay nearby, which is very unfair,” said Maliro
In her remarks, Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima said the pre-JSR event was very important as the ministry and their corporative partners have a true reflection of what students are going through.
She said that besides education infrastructure development, transforming country’s educational system requires more than just financial resources.
“It demands a radical shift of mindset, a departure from complacency and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. We must empower our teachers, provide them with the necessary tools and support, and reward their dedication. We must engage parents, guardians, and communities in the educational journey of our children. We must prioritize foundational learning, ensuring that no child is left behind before they even set foot in a classroom,” she said
She pledged unwavering support from her ministry to address all challenges in the education sector.
Acting Head of EU Delegation Else Boonstra said the Pre- JSR was important as it helps the ministry of Education and other stakeholders to know the challenges students face and has since ensured support from EU to address the challenges.
“We are all jointly putting together resources and capacities we have to find creative innovative solutions to make the plight of these children who walk long distances to schools a little bit easier” said Boonstra
“The theme of the conference speaks volumes about collective vision for the transformation of education in this nation. It summons all stakeholders to invest in foundational learning and skills developmenta solid bedrock upon which the future of children and the nation shall be built.
“By strengthening the building blocks of education, by equiping students with the tools they need to thrive, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to the society. This aspiration by learners and the nation cannot be achieved if, as a system, do not attend to setbacks such as these,” said Boonstra
