Chief Mailo of the Lala people of Serenje District, Central Province, has described as cruel the behaviour of some parents who do not send their children to school, even when education is free.
The Chief questioned the mindset of some of his subjects who send their children to fish instead of attending school.
He said the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with its cooperating partners, has made efforts to support the education of the girl child through programs such as Keep Girls in School (KGS), offering good incentives.
The Lala Chief, however, said there is a concern that the opportunities are not being fully utilized, and in some cases, girls are being withdrawn from school due to unprescribed activities.
He also paid tribute to the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) for working with him to provide alternative livelihoods to families in his chiefdom through village banks.
The Traditional Leader urged parents to take advantage of the increased number of teachers in schools.
He noted that the Government has also continued expanding classroom blocks to improve the learning environment for children.
Chief Mailo was speaking in Nsomaulwa Area in Serenje District during a tour of his chiefdom, an exercise locally known as Umulondo.
