Experts fault suspension of classes in Southern Region

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ducation experts have faulted further suspension of classes in Southern Region schools that have not been affected by Cyclone Freddy, saying it will heavily affect learners, especially in national examinations.

Government announced that the suspension of classes in primary and secondary schools in the region following the devastation caused by the cyclone has been extended to March 31, which was the official closing of Term Two.

This means classes will resume on April 17, which is the beginning of Term Three.

The development comes as learners are preparing for Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education examinations, expected to run from May 10 to May 12, followed by Junior Certificate of Education from May 30 to June 8 and later Malawi School Certificate of Education examination from June 27 to July 21.

The Ministry of Education said learners, who will be sitting for examinations, will report for classes on March 31.

But in separate interviews, experts have faulted government’s decision, saying it will disadvantage affected students.

Edukans country director Limbani Nsapato observed that suspending classes in one region and leaving others will affect the performance of learners in the Southern Region.

“Infrastructure in most schools is intact and the schools are accessible. The best would have been to suspend classes in schools that have been damaged or are being used as camps,” he said.

Meanwhile, Independent Schools Association president Wycliffe Chimwendo has described the closing of schools that have not been affected by Cyclone Freddy as a setback.

“We fear that the continued disruption of classes will affect learners. We received information that government will assess schools to check if they are risk-free.  Those that do not pose a risk have to be operating,” he said.

Ministry of Education spokesperson Mphatso Nkuonera said there are several factors that led to further suspension of classes.

He said following the disaster, the Ministry of Education needs to be sure that the buildings are in good condition and do not pose a threat to the lives of learners.

“You need experts to do assessment. The buildings might look OK, but  the walls might have been weakened.

“So, we are prioritising lives first. The lives of learners and teachers come first because without life learning cannot take place. Right to education is important but we have to protect lives,” said Nkuonera.

He said schools being used as camps is another challenge to having classes running.

“Survivors who are traumatised cannot be moved without having alternatives. Over 230 schools are being used as camps.”

However, he said for learners who will be sitting for examinations, the ministry has arranged that they report for school on March 27 so that they start preparing for exams.

Meanwhile, the Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) has said it is assessing the impact of Cyclone Freddy on education to see if it can administer national examinations as planned.

Maneb executive director Dorothy Nampota said yesterday they are assessing the situation to determine how long classes will be suspended in the Southern region.