Nagwira Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Chakhaza in Dowa district for a long time continued to register school dropouts due to lack of water supply.
A visit to the school found that, learners travel 5 kilometers to a stream to fetch water from contaminated sources because the school has never been supplied with water since it was established in 2013 and is 20 kilometers from Mponela Township.
Headteacher of the school Chiyanjanitso Pitilosi said the development was heavily affecting education standards.
“The school was registering 5 to 10 dropouts every term due to the situation. We had no solution to this, until World Vision came in and provided water taps. Its not only learners who were struggling, even the community. I thank God that our team’s work with the community has now beared fruits.” She said
Maureen Chiyambi ( not her real name) a standard five learner lamented that “ We were just hearing from colleagues that their schools have water and sanitation facilities but not ours. It was very painful to be learning in such an environment. Imagine learning without safe water, no descent toilets and hygiene in schools and as girls we face additional challenges in getting an equal chance of good education.”
Caroline Lumbalu, World Vision’s Development Facilitator for Kadangadzi Area in Dowa district said “Providing access to clean water at Nagwira Primary School is a game-changer for the students and staff. After 13 long years without a reliable water source, we’re thrilled to bring this essential resource back to the community. The lack of clean water at Nagwira Primary School has been a significant challenge for far too long. We’re proud to partner with the community to bring this vital resource back and support the students’ education and well-being. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right. We’re honored to play a part in ensuring Nagwira Primary School has a reliable water source, and we look forward to continuing our work with the community to address other pressing needs.”
During the time of the interview, James Kumwenda, who was the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Water and S anitation ( before the ministry was split) said “ The main issue is salinity. Efforts gave been made to drill to boreholes, but it has been failing to pass the water quality. However we thank World Vision for intervening.”
However the Water and Environmental sanitation Network Acting Executive Director Hopeson Chaima, accused authorities for neglecting the school.
“its very unfortunate that a school which was constructed in 2013 had no any water supply. Why punishing Innocent kids? Government needs to ensure that essential services and facilities are available in schools.”
According to Chaima “Studies have demonstrated that drinking water can improve students’ readiness to learn by increasing their level of cognitive functioning. Students who are properly hydrated feel and perform better at all levels. It helps them to concentrate, elevate their physical activity and reduces the frequency of illness, among other benefits.” he said.
According to UNICEF, 1 in 3 schools in Malawi lack access to safe water, unsafe water is one of the top causes of illnesses in children under 5 and every $1 invested in water returns up to $4 in economic benefits.
