Kaming'i has attributed this to cultural practices, early marriages, hunger and covid-19 pandemic among others with education zones of Mmanga, Ulongwe, Utale and Mpilisi contributing to the vice.

Kaming'i said with 167 schools, Balaka currently has an enrolment of 132, 685 learners but in the 2020-21 academic year, 137, 841 learners were enrolled in the district.

He further attributed the challenge to Covid-19, arguing that some pupils after going for holiday they never came back.

However, chairperson for the district’s civil society organization network, John Bamusi, has faulted authorities in the district for secrecy and always keeping data under the lap which make it difficult for partners to access and step in to help address the problem.

District Education Network Chairperson Apostle Andrew Mankhanamba substantiates the staggering dropout rate to lack of motivation among learners in the district.

Balaka has the most unpredictable weather pattern which hugely affects academic calendars.