Education Ministry Extends Suspension of Physical Classes in Southern Malawi Districts Due to Cyclone FREDDY

Malawi-The Ministry of Education has announced the extension of the temporary suspension of physical education classes in all educational institutions in the Southern Region districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe, Blantyre, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Mwanza, Neno, and Zomba, until Friday, March 17, 2023.

This extension is due to the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy, which has affected schools and educational establishments to varying degrees, with some schools being turned into holding camps for displaced communities.

In a statement released on Monday, Chikondano C. Mussa, the Secretary for Education, emphasized the need for Head Teachers, Directors of Education Youth and Spots, Education Division Managers and Heads of Education Institutions to liaise with Engineers in the District Councils and the Education Infrastructure Management Unit (EIMU) in the Ministry of Education, to ensure the stability and safety of school infrastructure, in particular, dug out latrines, in order to prevent after-cyclone injuries.

"As we cope with the aftereffects of the cyclone, including trauma from the damaged infrastructure, injury, and loss of lives in some cases, the Ministry regrets to extend the temporary suspension of physical education classes in all educational institutions in the aforementioned districts," said Mussa.

"We encourage teachers and learners to use available online platforms and radio lessons during this time. When physical classes resume on Monday, March 20, 2023, teachers are urged to provide remedial lessons to recover the lost time."

The Ministry of Education urges all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and well-being of learners and educators during this time.