DC hails decision to move PWAs to boarding schools

Mchinji district commissioner (DC) Rosemary Nawasha has hailed Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) for moving students with albinism in day secondary schools to boarding schools for enhanced security.

The DC spoke on Friday when Pastors Fraternal Mchinji Chapter conducted prayers against abductions and killings of persons with albinism (PWAs) and exhumation of their bodies.

Her remarks followed a speech by the district’s Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) vice-chairperson Amidu Million who told the gathering that a boy with albinism, Dominick Lawrence, 18, stopped going to school because of lack of security. 

“In many of the cases, relatives and people around PWAs are involved in masterminding crimes. As such, sending them to boarding schools provides minimal chances for the criminals to execute their plans,” said Million. 

But in an interview, Mchinji Secondary School head teacher Harry Kamwaza wondered what will happen if some PWAs cannot afford school fees in boarding schools and the school wants to send them back.

“So far, three students with albinism have been moved to Mchinji Secondary School and I was worried when one of them was not able to pay fees. It was a relief when I included him on the list of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s 15 students scholarship beneficiaries.” he said.

But in a separate interview, MoEST spokesperson Lindiwe Chide said MoEST will be responsible for all the children who cannot afford school fees.

Mchinji Police Station officer-in-charge, Owen Maganga warned people against addressing  PWAs by derogatory terms, saying doing so warrants an arrest.