A 13-year-old girl in Chipili District is appealing for assistance to purchase essential school supplies, enabling her to return to school after giving birth just a month ago.

ZANIS reports that Alice, whose real name has been withheld, became pregnant at the age of 12 and was forced to drop out of school due to fear of stigma.

“I stopped school because I was scared my friends would laugh at me. I want to continue where I ended in Grade 5, so that when I complete it, I will come and take care of my son,” she said.

In an interview, the juvenile mother disclosed her situation which is further complicated by her mother’s limited financial means.

The girl bemoaned her mother’s struggles to support both her and the baby through her small business of selling roasted cassava especially that the baby’s father is not providing any support.

In response to Alice’s story and the broader issue of teenage pregnancy in the district, Chieftainess Mutipula of Chipili District has announced plans to crack down on those responsible for impregnating young girls.

“It’s not fair that girls are left to suffer alone for nine months while boys move freely and without proper help to the girls. Starting now, we will be penalising both the suspects and their parents,” Chieftainess Mutipula said.

The traditional leader pointed out that it is unfair for boys to continue their education while girls are left to bear the burden of motherhood alone.

She stated that going forward, both the suspects and their parents will be held accountable and possibly face arrest.

Chieftainess Mutipula has since implored stakeholders in the district, like CAMFED, World Vision, and KGS, to scale up their support towards vulnerable girls like Alice by accordingly strengthening their interventions in collaboration with the government.