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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
Civil society organisation Saywhat has partnered Mlezu Agriculture College in Chiwundura to construct a nursing home to ensure that pregnant and nursing girls do not drop out of school.

Speaking at Mlezu graduation ceremony in Chiwundura, Saywhat executive director Mr Jimmy Wilford, who was the guest of honour, said the project was meant to complement Government efforts towards women empowerment through access to education as a tool for employability and informed participation in the socio-economic and political discourse.

“Saywhat is partnering Mlezu Agriculture College in the construction of a nursing home for pregnant and nursing students.

“Its objectives are to establish a model nursing home which can be adopted by other colleges.

“It is also aimed at guaranteeing the health and nutrition of babies whose mothers are still pursing educational qualifications.

“Saywhat also seeks to complement Government efforts towards women empowerment through access to education as a tool for employability and informed participation in the socio-economic and political discourse,” he said.

Mr Wilford said Saywhat was also advocating change in punitive policies and practices that marginalise female students.

“Some of the work that is being done by Saywhat includes advocacy for access to contraception and maternal health services including health insurance cover and medical ad for pregnant female students. It also challenges punitive policies and practices that marginalise female students,” he said.

Saywhat is a civil society, student and youth-focused organisation, founded in 2003 to create a platform for students in tertiary institutions to discuss their sexual and reproductive health rights.

Over the years Saywhat has expanded its work to focus on out of school youths as well as those in high schools to further its impact on the needy adolescent and youth population.

The organisation’s overarching aim is to foster personal empowerment, a sharp sense of personal as well as collective responsibility for maintaining good sexual and reproductive health status among students and youths.