Government has committed to continue providing an enabling environment for initiatives that drive towards the realization of increased access to quality and relevant education in the country.

Speaking on Thursday at Mdika Community Day Secondary School in Dowa, Principal Secretary for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri where she presided over the official handover ceremony of girls’ hostel and library block, Commended World Vision for constructing the facilities at the school saying this will help to increase access and improve quality of education in the area and beyond.

“As government we do acknowledge that majority of learners in rural areas walk long distances to access education which result in high dropout rates. We shall therefore always welcome any partnerships that seek to support and promote access to education through different initiatives, including construction of hostels,” said Phiri.

Phiri further said girls are exposed to risks, such as sexual abuse and bullying on their way to and from school, the situation which she said forces some learners to resort to self-boarding, which is also associated with negative repercussions, such as cases of theft and immoral behavior, especially in the case of the girl child in order to make ends meet.

In his remarks, World Vision National Director, Francis Duwe said they are convinced the hostel will increase safety and security of girls from the risks faced such as abuse and attacks as they long for education.

He added, “We also expect improved girls’ performance since the hostel now redeems the time used for walking the long distances to fully concentrate on their studies.”

The fifty-six capacity hostel has tiled floor, installed with piped water and electricity, and secured with a 50 by 40 perimeter fence.

World Vision used Three Hundred Million Kwacha to construct the hostel and its fence, a library, water system, sceptic tanks, toilets, washrooms and procurement of one hundred and twelve beds, and mattresses of equivalent number.

Mdika CDSS which is located in Dowa West in Senior Chief Traditional Authority Kayembe was established in 1968 and currently has enrollment of One Hundred and Sixty students, of which sixty are girls.