Language and Social sciences Education

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Browsing Language and Social sciences Education by Author "Chibamba, A. C."

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    The role of traditional leaders in ending early child marriages for education: experiences from Kalonga Gawa Undi chiefdom of Katete district, Zambia.
    (Malcolm Moffat Multidisciplinary Journal of Research and Education, 2020-06-23) Daka, H.; Mwelwa, K.; Chibamba, A. C.; Mkandawire, S. B.; Phiri, D.
    This paper explores the role of traditional leaders on ending early child marriages for education as panacea to the implementation of the ‘National Strategy on Ending Child Marriages in Zambia 2016 – 2021’. The Chewa Chiefdom of Zambia was used as a reference point on the role traditional leaders can play in implementing government policies. The article focused on how traditional leaders through their chiefdom structures discouraged early child marriages and supported girls and boys to continue with their education. A case study research design which was qualitative in nature was employed. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews, and observation of various practices among the Chewa people of Zambia. The interviews and observations covered historical information on traditions and cultural practices; including measures the chiefdom had put in place to ensure that all young girls and boys in the chiefdom have access to education. The article revealed that, in a quest to end early marriages and promote child education, Kalonga Gawa Undi had put in place several measures. These included; awareness campaigns, collaborating with support groups, and revising some traditional practices such as the times when Chinamwali and Nyau initiation ceremonies were expected to take place so that they do not disturb school going children. Respondents reported that, the measures positively reduced cases of early marriages and increased the number of children accessing education. Despite this improvement, lack of financial support remains a major constraint to ending early marriages and promoting child education in the Chewa kingdom. The article recommended among other things that, chiefdoms should have partnerships with stakeholders such as NGOs and government in supporting children’s education and discouraging early child marriages. In addition, more publicity was needed through various media; leaflets, posters, billboards in Chewa language and community drama