Schools to reopen 22 February
Presidential taskforce on covid-19 has announced that all schools will reopen on Monday 22nd February
Chairperson of the task force Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda who was accompanied by minister of education Agness Nyalonje made the announcement Wednesday evening
Kandodo Chiponda said that five billion kwacha has been allocated to the education sector from the 17.5 billion kwacha covid fund from safe environment for both learners and teachers
Nyalonje said the Ministry plans to use part of the 5 billion kwacha to drill boreholes in 650 primary and secondary schools to ensure educational institutions have potable water for sanitation
She said 400 boreholes will be constructed in primary schools while 240 in Secondary schools
“The Ministry plans to procure tents to decongest classes therefore 384 million kwacha of the allocated funds will be used in that program,” Nyalonje
She said her ministry has provided schools with personal protective equipment to prevent further spread of the virus
Reacting to the re-opening Teachers Union of Malawi TUM has asked teachers to stay away from schools until government addresses issues concerning their safety.
Speaking in an interview with radio Islam, TUM president Willie Malimba said though government has re-opened schools, it is yet to address concerns regarding risk allowances and other necessities.
Malimba added that, during the first phase of COVID19, Teachers were denied risk allowances and it is sad that during the second wave, a good number of teachers contracted Covid 19 and were even taking care of infected learners in schools.
“The Union will not condone the tendency of exposing teachers to COVID 19 hence their call for teachers to stay away,” Malimba
He has also urged government to put in place proper channels of reopening or closing schools, adding the Willy nilly decisions are negatively affecting parents.
