In the rural communities of Ntcheu, child marriage remains a persistent challenge, but it is not an unstoppable one. Thanks to the unwavering efforts of local leaders like GVH Kalumba and Pengapenga, change is taking root.
GVH Kalumba refuses to let rumors turn into tragedies. “When I hear about a possible child marriage, I act immediately,” he says. “I contact the village head of that area, meet with the parents, and stop the marriage before it happens.” His priority is clear: education. “Every child, girls and boys, must stay in school. That is their right.”
To reinforce this commitment, GVH Kalumba, in collaboration with the local police forum, has established strict community bylaws. Among them is a curfew requiring all children under 18 to be home by 7 p.m. “No roaming the markets or villages during night times,” he explains. “This keeps them safe and focused on their studies.”
The results speak for themselves. “This time last year, we recorded over 12 cases of teenage pregnancies,” says Mr Dawson, child protection committee chair. “This year, there have been only four.” In addition, three child marriages have been prevented, and one rape case has resulted in an arrest.
“We don’t handle these cases alone,” Kalumba emphasizes. “We hold case conferences with child protection committee, mother groups, parents, the police forum, and other community structures to find solutions together.”
The shift is also visible in schools. Mr. Tsoka, headteacher at Mpotola Primary School, has witnessed the impact firsthand. “We encourage parents to send their children back to school after pregnancy,” he says. “Since the launch of Abwenzi A Ana program, a Save the Children-funded initiative with YODEP as the implementing partner, four young mothers have returned to their studies in this area.”
GVH Pengapenga shares the same resolve. “As long as I live,” she vows, “no child in my area will be forced into marriage.”
While challenges remain, the combined efforts of local leaders and community structures are making a meaningful difference. Each prevented marriage, each girl back in school, and each case of justice served is a step toward a future where every child regardless of gender can grow up safe, educated, and free.
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