Zimpapers Logo

Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau

At  least eight Form 3 girls at Soma Secondary School in Shamva South dropped out of school to get married, the school’s headmaster Mr Leonard Mandundu said.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of a two-classroom block by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Mr Mandundu said two girls eloped last year, while six dropped out of school this year.

The school has a total of 144 pupils, 83 boys and 61 girls.

The provincial administrator Mr Cosmos Chiringa, who was representing Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Advocate Martin Dinha said the province is worried by the increase in early child marriages.

“We have noticed with concern the increase in school drop outs due to early child marriages especially in former commercial farming areas and mines,” Mr Chiringa said.

“Government is doing its best for the girl child and the disadvantaged, we need to stop the practice and compliment Government efforts.

“Why do parents let such things happen, accept lobola for a 15-year-old and do nothing about it? The issues are only being raised by the headmaster.

“Child marriage is prevalent in the province, people must be educated.

“The girl child must be allowed to go to school.

“We appeal to parents, school authorities and non-governmental organisations to provide guidance and awareness in districts like Shamva, Mt Darwin, Mbire amongst others.

“The children need to be assisted.

“Traditional leaders must also be involved because some of the causes might be cultural.

“We are saying no to child marriages that is why you see the Government building more schools to allow the girl child access to education.”

Mr Mandundu thanked ZDF for the interventions saying the school is currently using old farm sheds as tutorial accommodation and has no laboratory, geography or computer rooms.

“The old farm sheds are in a dilapidating state, posing a danger to learners and teachers,” he said.

“We only have squat hole toilets and we need more.