On the issue of communication, the Hon. Member spoke about whether the communication will go as effectively as we are wanting. Yes, it will. We have arteries of the Ministry which go right down to the province, district and school level. So, all heads have been alerted as I speak here to be able to take a cue as to how to conform to the new policy thrust.
We have said, what are you doing about the 4 500? We have said in 2017, the Ministry will inaugurate a campaign against early marriages working in conjunction with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, whose Minister is Hon. Chikwinya. So, we are also mounting a campaign. UNFPA have agreed to work with us and have already been in the field. So, we will heighten that. As to whether this now leads to say give condoms in the schools, I think that is another debate and I would benefit from the wisdom of the House.
Those that have made reference to schools having made arrangements, I have said this is administrative. They will hear from the Permanent Secretary on these matters because they will not just disappear.
On Hon. Phiri’s question on whether there has been a test run of this policy. I did say in my statement that last year we said, looking for a place can be done in one day. Just choose one school you want. Going from school to school does not guarantee you a place because the places are limited. We have said this year, let us now use technology and keep the parent at home, and resolve that challenge. On the issue of the BEAM students, these are welcome to proceed to secondary. There will be no negative repercussions about their status. June admissions, the same thing.
Hon. Toffa on none formal education, I will give the same response that I have given about the 4 500. It is an all stakeholder engagement on what to do with our young people and how to help them move on in life. Otherwise, I want to thank the Chair and also the Hon. Members that have contributed. Thank you.
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