Prince Chese
COMMUNITY leaders are worried about an increase in school dropouts at Malala Secondary where unpaid school fees, long distances to school, early marriages and drug abuse as major causes.
The concerns were raised on Sunday during the donation of a Starlink internet system and football jerseys by Beitbridge West MP Thusani Ndou at Malala Secondary School.
“You parents should pay school fees to reduce school dropouts, which can lead to early marriages and drug abuse,” said Ndou.
“If you cannot afford the fees, come and work with the school so that your children can remain in class,” he said.
“You children must avoid love affairs while at school because they can result in early marriages and dropping out of school,” said Ndou.
Ward 6 Councillor Julitha Mutingwende said long distances travelled by learners were also contributing to the problem.
“Long distances are causing school dropouts in this area because many learners come from faraway places,” he said.
A ZANU PF Central Committee member Matrine Mudau urged learners to value education and stay away from harmful behaviour.
“When you do not have education, there is nowhere you are going in life,” she said.
“Leave drugs and beer because they are also causing school dropouts,” Mudau said.
“The problem will come back to your parents if you are not capable of taking care of yourselves,” she said.
“MP Thusani Ndou has donated Starlink to give learners a cheaper way of learning, so make use of the opportunity and learn,” Mudau said.