LOBAMBA – Headteachers from 62 schools have been engaged in a workshop by the Ministry of Education and Training as part of a broader push to keep more adolescent learners in school under a World Bank-funded programme.
The sensitisation session, held this week, focused on Sub-Component 2.3 of the project, which seeks to support the retention of both boys and girls in junior secondary education. The selected schools are based in constituencies identified through national data to have high poverty levels and dropout rates.
The initiative aims to tackle both economic and social factors contributing to school dropouts. Headteachers were introduced to intervention strategies that include strengthening school clubs and expanding support programmes targeting adolescents. 
Through these clubs, learners will receive psychosocial training and life skills to help them manage daily challenges, make informed choices and transition successfully into adulthood. Topics such as adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse and risky behaviour will form part of the discussions within the school-based activities.
Additional attention will be given to educating learners on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sexual exploitation, and harassment, along with guidance on accessing referral services. The goal is to ensure learners are not only retained in school but are also protected and equipped to thrive beyond the classroom.
