adminA CHILDREN’S education and girl child rights movement is pleading with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to invest more in rural schools as many young girls are dropping school for marriage.
Farming Community Educational Trust National Coordinator Respect Tsvanhu said she was saddened by reports of child marriage from the young girls she talked to during the Global Action Week for Education (GAWE).
It was held at Bangari Secondary School in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe.
“There are a lot of issues that are emanating from schools, especially in rural areas, due to underfunding.
“I have noted with concern that the young girls in the district are now opting for marriage when they drop out of school, not because they are comfortable with that, but because they have nothing else to do.
“From the conversation I had with the girls, they were saying when their parents or guardians fail to pay fees, they will stay at home and the next thing is that men will be coming after them.”
She said it was a good idea to host the event in a community with more disadvantaged girls.
Tsvanhu said more schools and water facilities were needed in the area.
“Accessibility of schools is another crucial issue which, as FACET, we are advocating for because our girls are traveling kilometres to get to school and it is a challenge for them, especially during their menstrual cycle, as they will miss a lot at school work.
“The scarcity of water has been a hindrance, which affects their menstrual hygiene, therefore, we urge the Government and the Ministry to work on improving these issues in time,” she said.
At Bangari there is only one manual borehole.
Online Reporter