NGO sensitises pupils on early marriage

A LOCAL Non-Governmental Organisation in Mkushi has embarked on an awareness campaign in schools to sensitise pupils in on the dangers of early marriage.

Mkushi Triple DAH Gender Women Group (MTDGWG) chairperson Idah Luyande told the Daily Nation that the sensitisation programme was aimed at educating girl children about the negative impact of the vice on their future.

Ms Luyande said her organisation had noted that early marriage had become a community problematic and needed to be addressed before the situation got out of hand.

Ms Luyande said there was need for the community to partner with relevant authorities and NGOs dealing in child protection to discourage the scourge.

She said her organisation had placed girl child education promotion as priority with the view to secure and better their lives.

"We have embarked on an early marriage sensitisation campaign programme aimed at changing mind sets of pupils about the vice. We have started with Kasansama Primary School where we have sensitised girl children on dangers of the vice. Next on the schedule is Myafi Primary School," Ms. Luyande said.

Ms Luyande has since appealed to community members to report all early marriages to police and relevant authorities to curb the crime.

And Kasansama Primary School Head teacher Helvis Mumbalanga said the sensitisation initiative by Mkushi Triple DAH Gender Women Group was welcomed and timely.

Mr Mumbalanga said the vice was a challenge among girl children in the area and the situation needed to be addressed.

He said the move was in the right direction for girl child education promotion and development.

Meanwhile, Chimika ward councillor Benford Katiti in Luano has hailed government for disbursing money under the social cash money transfer scheme to 62 households in the ward.

In interview with the Daily Nation, Mr Katiti said the Patriotic Front (PF) government led By President Edgar Lungu has proved to be hard working aimed at improving lives of the vulnerable in society.

Mr Katiti said the social cash scheme had made a difference and would change lives of recipients in the area for the better.

"I want to thank government through Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare for their efforts to ensure that the elderly people, orphans, widows and physically challenged all benefited from the scheme.

"This is incredible that even in remotest areas such as my ward Chimika in the valley, 62 people have benefited from the cash, Mr Katiti said.

Councillor Katiti further said money from the scheme will go a long way in alleviating poverty levels.

He also urged beneficiaries to use the money wisely for the intended purpose.