CHALI MULENGA, Livingstone
SOUTHERN Province education officer (PEO) Florence Chikalekale says girl children have the potential to excel in their education if they are given the right support.
Ms Chikalekale said it is wrong for parents to marry off young girls instead of allowing them to get educated.

She said the high number of early marriages in the province is worrying and must be halted.

“We have seen the potential of the young girls in our communities and it is therefore important to ensure that they go to school from early childhood through to grade 12 until they get tertiary education,” Ms Chikalekale said.
She said early marriages are affecting the number of girls progressing from one level of education to another.
Ms Chikalekale said there is need for parents to get involved in stopping early marriages in the province.
She said Government is making efforts in ensuring that all children have access to education.
“Let’s ensure that we make good use of the schools that are being constructed in our communities,” she said.
Ms Chikalekale said the Ministry of General Education in the province will continue supporting new schools in districts so that more people can have access to education.