Form Ones learning on floor at St Kiziko CDSS

Form One students at St Kizito Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Blantyre sit on the floor due to lack of desks.

This was revealed on Wednesday during the launch of an education initiative by National Aids Commission (NAC) youth commissioner Chimwemwe Kaonga held at the school.

Both teachers and students of St Kizito took advantage of the function to highlight some of the challenges that are currently facing the school and negatively impact on students’ performance.

St Kizito head teacher Catherine Sitima said: “St Kizito is performing poorly in national examinations partly because the learning environment is not conducive for learners, girls in particular.

“Imagine, Form Ones literally sit on the bare floor like standard ones in primary school due to lack of desks.”

Like adding salt to a fresh injury, students of St Kizito CDSS took turns to expose more challenges that are hindering their education. They cited lack of a physical science laboratory as mockery to a school which encourages science subjects.

“Why can’t they replace the subject with creative arts kuti tizisema mitondo?  I think this is what can take us to Polytechnic to study engineering,” lamented one learner.

Reacting to the concerns, Kaonga, who was accompanied by Concerned Youth Organisation (CYO) executive director Harvey Chimaliro, sounded an SOS to bail out St Kizito CDSS.

Said Kaonga: “St Kizito is one of the schools that are currently lacking a number of amenities which needs well-wishers and other partners to come in. I am appealing to the general public to intervene in the situation.” n