Malawi’s First Lady Monica Chakwera on Monday urged parents and guardians to support girl-child education to increase the number of women attaining higher positions in society.

She was speaking when she received a newly constructed K215 million Luviri Secondary School in Chief Chikulamayembe’s area in Rumphi from Eva Demaya Centre, a charitable organisation.

The First Lady said non-governmental organisations have a crucial role to play in the promotion of education, especially in rural areas.

In 2019, over 3,000 who sat for Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education Examinations (PSLCE), passed, but just over half of them were selected to various secondary schools.

Rumphi has one district secondary school, and the inauguration of Luviri Secondary school, according to Chakwera, will ensure more boys and girls attain secondary school education.

She said it is sad that only eight percent of those selected to secondary school, access boarding facilities, adding that there was need to change the trend.

Chakwera also took time to advise girls to work hard in school and never allow to fall victim to early marriage. She pleaded with men not to entice girls into early sex debut.

Education Minister Agnes Nyalonje asked other NGOs to emulate Eva Demaya, adding: “Malawi’s secondary school education requires support.”

She disclosed that her Ministry will provide beds, mattresses, books and desks for this newly constructed Luviri school complex.

Eva Demaya, a charity, has constructed two classroom blocks with four classes, an administration block, two hostels, one for boys and the other for girls, seven teachers houses and toilets, and has donated the infrastructure to Government.

Prior to this development Luviri had no secondary school.