From CHOMBA MUSIKA in Namwala
THE Zambia Police Victim Support Unit (VSU) in Namwala district has implored school authorities in the area to consider introducing anti-child marriage clubs, to enable pupils have a better understanding on the dangers of the vice.
This follows concerns on the high number of child marriages in the district.
District VSU co-ordinator Crispin Mubanga said there is need to intensify sensitisation campaigns on the negative effective of early marriages, especially in schools located in remote areas where pupils are more vulnerable to the vice.
Mr Mubanga said this in Mbeza area, when over 30 pupils from various schools conducted a review of the declarations made during the International Day of the African Child celebrations.
Hundreds of children converged on Nikel Girls Secondary School on June 16, this year, to commemorate the day.
The children called for an end to child marriages and defilement.
They further implored Government and traditional leaders to look into their plight, especially on the provision of quality education and health.
“Just as much as law enforcers have a law which guides them to curb child marriages, there is need to ensure children learn from school about the vice as this will enable them have knowledge to turn down the offer if they fall prey,” Mr Mubanga said.
He disclosed that the VSU has in the past faced challenges in curbing the vice as victims usually refuse to withdraw from forced marriages.
He appealed to pupils not to tolerate marriage talks at the expense of acquiring education.
At the same event, Senior Chief Bright Nalubamba of Southern Province also challenged pupils to reject being married off at a tender age.