A former educationist in Nseluka area in Katumba ward of Mungwi District has raised concerns over pupils who are absconding class in preference to caterpillar collection. Edward Lombe described the trend as retrogressive and has since appealed to parents to stop their children…

A former educationist in Nseluka area in Katumba ward of Mungwi District has raised concerns over pupils who are absconding class in preference to caterpillar collection.

Edward Lombe described the trend as retrogressive and has since appealed to parents to stop their children from doing so.

Mr Lombe also called on traditional leaders to protect children from such abuse.

He disclosed that traditional leaders should work with schools to stop the trend.

” I know this is an economic activity which presents itself once in a year but allowing kids to miss classes is unacceptable,” he stated.

The Former Educationist said parents should not engage their school children in such activities at the expense of education.

One of the pupils, whose name has been withheld, said she was collecting caterpillars for sale during the common market locally known as ” Umunanda”.

She however, promised to continue with her education once the caterpillar collection is over.

And a check by a ZANIS crew this morning in the nearby bush behind Gibeon Adventist Secondary School found more than 15 children from nearby primary schools collecting caterpillars.