Learners slam govt on teachers’ sit-in

Irate pupils in Nkhotakota District yesterday lashed out at government for failing to address their teachers’ grievances, a development that has seen them miss classes.

Random checks conducted in the district found that most schools were deserted as teachers sent back learners in compliance with a call by Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) for the nationwide strike.

Scores of learners were seen roaming about at Nkhotakota Boma as early as 8am.

In an interview, students at Kasamba Day Secondary School (CDSS) blamed government for treating teacher’s with little seriousness, saying negotiations over the matter started way back but the Ministry of Education has been negligent.

On their part, learners at Nkhotakota CCAP Primary School have asked TUM and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to resolve the matter urgently, saying if the status quo remains as such, the situation will degenerate into chaos.

Head teacher of Kasamba CDSS, Stephen Chipeta, said as teachers, they understand the students’ concerns, but there was nothing they could do until their issues were resolved. n