The country’s First Lady Madame Gertrude Hendrina Mutharika has hailed Catholic Church for complementing Government efforts in uplifting lives of people through offering quality education in its learning institutions.
Madam Mutharika said this at Stella Maris Secondary School in Blantyre on Saturday during the school’s Golden Jubilee.
In her speech, Madam Mutharika said the Catholic Church has carried out a lot of education projects which have transformed the lives of many Malawians.
“I am particularly happy that Stella Maris has benefitted the girl child whose interest I have at heart. As you might be aware, I have great passion in the education of the girl child.
“The importance of educating girls cannot be over-emphasized. As the first lady of this Republic, I want to promote education of the Malawian girl child and I ask you all to support me in this noble endeavour.
“I would like to assure the Catholic Church that in your quest to offer quality and holistic education to the nation of Malawi, you have a partner in me,” said Mutharika.
Mutharika also advised girls in the country to be disciplined and show good manners adding that girls need to avoid and desist from sexual affairs which can lead to contraction of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
On his part, Minister of Education Science and Technology Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano said the Catholic Church remains key government partner in uplifting education standards.
Dr. Fabiano said both churches and government have the responsibility to serve the public though sometimes their responsibilities may differ.
“Though churches and government may differ in other issues, they have the common denominators of serving the public,” said Dr. Fabiano.
Stella Maris Headmistress Sister Catherine Chikadza said her school still maintains highest standards in as far as offering quality education is concerned.
Sister Chikadza said despite the school offering quality education, the place is also entrusted with power to raise the students with discipline and adorable manners.
