The persistent shortage of secondary schools in rural parts of Mchinji district continues to be a major challenge, contributing to high rates of early marriages and teenage pregnancies.

Speaking during a Confirmation Mass at St Joseph Parish (Ludzi), where 320 youths from Zulu and Ludzi zones received the Sacrament of Confirmation, Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa expressed deep concern over the situation.

“Mchinji is one of the districts with a high number of children entering marriage at a young age, and as the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese, we find this very troubling.”

Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa

His Lordship emphasized the urgent need for the Church to take action to address the issue, noting that the future of the Church depends on nurturing responsible and educated leaders.

“I have visited both Guilleme and Ludzi Parishes in Mchinji, and I have observed that in rural areas, there are no secondary schools. Children are forced to walk long distances, about 10 kilometers, to access education, which is detrimental to their future,” said Bishop Mwakhwawa.

Bishop Mwakhwawa also commended the growth of the Church in Mchinji, highlighting the increasing number of Christians and adolescents receiving Confirmation.

Bishop Mwakhwawa administering the Sacrament of Confirmation at Ludzi Parish

He, however, warned that without addressing the educational challenges, poverty will increase, and this could hinder community holistic development.

Echoing his sentiments, Parish Chairperson Gibson Makoza, said the Ludzi Parish is actively exploring various strategies to support the youth and continue its development initiatives.

Makoza, Chairperson of St Joseph (Ludzi) Parish

He thanked Bishop Mwakhwawa for visiting Ludzi Parish, saying his presence was encouraging and brought attention to a critical issue that many parents have long lamented, the lack of secondary schools.

Meanwhile, Louis Lakiyoni, one of the Tilitonse mentors at St Joseph Parish, said they will continue teaching the adolescents various aspects of Catholic social teachings to deepen their faith.

A confirmand (in yellow and green) receives Holy Communion

The Confirmation of over 600 adolescents from St Joseph (Ludzi) and 1880 from St Anne’s (Guilleme) Parishes is a testament to the growth of the Catholic Church and the large youth population in Mchinji District.

St Joseph Parish (Ludzi) comprises four zones, 95 small Christian communities, and 26 outstations.

By Titus Jata Phiri