Chikwawa ready for phase two school reopening

Deputy Minister of Education Madalitso Wirima has expressed satisfaction with Chikwawa district’s preparedness for the phase two reopening of schools on October 12.

The first phase opened on September 7 for examination classes in primary and secondary schools and final year students in colleges and universities.

Speaking on Thursday when she visited some schools to appreciate their preparedness, she said schools were observing Covid-19 precautionary measures; hence, ready for the second phase reopening.

“Schools in the district underwent training on making face masks and have infrared thermometers,” said Wirima.

She asked mother group members, chiefs and parent and teacher associations to continue encouraging learners to observe Covid-19 precautionary measures.

The deputy minister also  asked stakeholders to protect girls from marriages.

Chikwawa District Council vice-chairperson Martin Goche said schools in the district were ready for full classes in October.

He, however, told the deputy minister that schools in the district were facing many challenges to provide quality education.

“Nevertheless, we commend the ministry for providing funds to schools to enable them fight against the pandemic,” said Goche.

On her part, Phimbi Primary School Mother Group chairperson Rachael Solomon said they engaged girls before the reopening of schools in September on Covid-19 messages.

“Besides, we gave them hope that schools would reopen; hence, the need to refrain from risky behaviour that could result in pregnancies,” she said.

Wirima visited Phimbi Primary School in Traditional Authority (T/A) Makhuwira, Thabwa Primary School in T/A Mulilima and Chikwawa Secondary School in T/A Kasisi.

Chikwawa has 193 public primary schools. 

Schools closed in March this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.