Matumba Parish priest, Fr Alfred Genesis Kalumbi, on Thursday 18th August handed over a two-classroom block to Namikango Primary School in Dedza North West. The block was constructed with funding from Special Projects in Christian Missionary Areas (SPICMA), an all-volunteer UK-registered Catholic charity.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Fr Kalumbi said he took the initiative to seek assistance after noticing that young learners’ classes were being disturbed during rainy seasons due to learning under a tree. He explained that the community contributed bricks and also cement to make the breeze blocks.
In his homily during the ceremony, Monsignor John Chithonje, the Vicar General of Dedza Diocese, said that the name of God is being profaned due to some parents who fail to send their children to school simply because they don’t see any need to do so. He lamented the fact that some parents will still not see the need to send their children to school. Msgr Chithonje said that in order to make children self-sufficient, they need to be sent to school.
In an interview later, Msgr Chithonje asked the government to waive tax on building materials in order to enable the church to contribute to the development of the education sector. The Member of Parliament for Dedza North West constituency, Mr Aluwizio Chidovu, promised to raise the issue with the relevant ministry.
The function was graced by the primary education adviser, Mr John Chakudza, traditional chiefs, community members and the ward councillor.
Pictures from the event