Duwama Muhammad Stands Alone As Only Girl Sitting Standard 8 Exams At Mangale Primary School in Mangochi
Published on June 9, 2026 at 3:53 PM by Evance Kapito
Duwama Muhammad is the only female candidate sitting for the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations this year at Mangale Primary School in Mangochi District.
Her situation highlights ongoing challenges facing girls’ education in the area, where many female learners reportedly drop out before reaching Standard 8 due to various reasons, including teenage pregnancies.
According to information gathered from the school, no girl successfully reached Standard 8 and sat for the final examinations between 2017 and 2021.
Education stakeholders have described the development as concerning, saying it reflects the barriers that continue to prevent many girls from completing their primary education.
Some education advocates have since called on the government, community leaders and non-governmental organizations to strengthen efforts aimed at keeping girls in school and reducing dropout rates in the district.
They say increased awareness, support for vulnerable learners and measures to address teenage pregnancies could help improve girls’ access to education and ensure more female students complete their studies.
Source; Hastings Msosa (Facebook Page)
