Action Aid bails out Dedza learners

By Steve Chirombo

Action Aid Malawi has disclosed that it has set aside K71 million for the construction of a classroom block, with a staff room in between, kitchen shelter and a double door latrine for learners at Chiitana Primary School under Group Village Headman Mwenje in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kasumbu in Dedza District.

The development came to light Tuesday when the organisation handed over the contractor to the communities.

Dedza District Action Aid Project Officer, Maria Phalira, said in an interview that through Kasumbu Women Forum and Kasumbu Development Organisation (KADO), with reference to the Village Action Plan (VAP), her organisation thought of bailing out Chiitana Primary School looking at its dire needs.

“We all know learning environment should be conducive and this one here at Chiitana is not. So, our support is coming in to help achieve that and also enhance government’s efforts to quality education. We expect the communities to work hand in hand with the contractor, Action Aid and government departments in the process,” she said.

Director of Public Works for Dedza, Harry Mara, called on all the parties involved in the construction process to join hands for quality work while urging for transparency and accountability in protecting construction materials as well when recruiting support staff.

He advised both the contractor and community members to refrain from child labor and also ensure sanity in their relationships during and after working hours while calling upon council officials and village heads to closely monitor progress of the construction works.

Managing Director of Jowita Building Contractors, Jack Kantwanje, entrusted to carry out the construction works, said they will do a continuous work for the next 120 days starting from Monday next week.

He assured community members as well as the council to expect quality work.

Councilor for the area, David Benson, hailed Action Aid for coming in to assist Chiitana Primary School saying the support serves government’s purpose for improved education standards in the country.

Benson, therefore, called for joint efforts and ownership in improving education standards in the area.

Chiitana is a full primary school with the current two temporary classroom blocks which were made possible with support from community members and other well-wishers of Indian origin.

The rest of the classrooms are improvised grass thatched posing threat to learners especially when the weather is not favourable.

The school, with insufficient desks, has an enrollment of 854 learners and is sitting at a distance of an approximately 56 kilometers from Dedza Boma.