Rastas take on illiteracy, discrimination

At a recent gathering in Salima, the Rastafarian community in Malawi agreed to confront illiteracy among its members and the community.

Ras Vision, publicity secretary of the Rastafarian Community, said Rasta children have been subjected to discrimination in schools where they are expelled based on their looks and are forced to shave their dreadlocks.

“Head teachers have been chasing our children, but this year we are telling all our Rasta children to go and if they are chased because of their hair we will take on the headmasters.

“The Constitution says do not discriminate based on religion. It also gives freedom of expression and right to education, so what is the basis of these headmasters who are chasing Rasta children?” charged Vision.

He said the rejection forces the children to drop out of school since most of them cannot afford private schools.

Vision also said Rastas are finding it hard to get jobs because of their looks.

“I also call upon all Rastas that dropped out of school to go back and finish. Education is good. Once schools open in September and our children are chased, we will march and take up the issue with government,” he said.