The economic prospects that are being projected with the advent of mining activities in Balaka district are being marred by child labour practices that have seen over 400 leaners dropping out of school to join the industry between 2019 and 2022.
The heartrending update was made by the Headteacher of Chitimbe Primary School during an engagement meeting which various stakeholders held with officials from the mining industry. The Headteacher further added that only 6 girls and 3 boys sat for this year’s Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations (PSLCE) at his school as the rest had dropped out of school.
During the meeting, the District Manager for YONECO in Balaka, Patrict Makonde, stated that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that those who are involved in the malpractice should face the law.
