DRINKING of illicit beer is said to be contributing to high rates of truancy and poor school performance among boys in Chief Mukanya’s area of Mambwe District in Eastern Province.
And the First Lady Esther Lungu has expressed worry on learning that boys in Mukwanya chiefdom are not attending school because they have taken to heavy drinking of Kachasu, a local brew.
Mrs Lungu said the situation is dire, and needs urgent action before the future of the young boys is compromised.
“Boys like girls need to stay in school. This is why we need to do everything possible as stakeholders to ensure the future of our children is preserved through the attainment of an education,” the First Lady noted.
The First Lady said she has great passion for education and hearing such news is disturbing, hence committing to work with the traditional leader in ensuring the situation is addressed.
“Education is one of the areas the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust focuses on, and it affects me when I hear news like this one,” she said.
This First Lady was speaking when she paid a courtesy call on Chief Mukanya during her continued outreach engagements in Mambwe District.
Earlier Chief Mukwanya told the First Lady that most boys have taken to drinking Kachasu, which has affected their school attendance and was contributing to poor performance in schools. – ZANIS.
Abuse of Illicit beer drinking by young boys worry First Lady
