Mzuzu’s ‘vigwagwa’ school a deathtrap

Chibanja Primary School in Mzuzu is operating with makeshift classrooms made of vigwagwa, residual timber.

The classrooms are dilapidated, exposing learners to harsh conditions during rainy and chilly months.

In an interview, head teacher Grace Simkonda said floods often disrupt classes at the marshy school.

“The classrooms put lives of pupils and teachers at risk. It is not conducive for teaching and learning,” she said.

Hailstorms blew off the roof of the wooden classroom block early this month, but learners were still in recess.

“We got a debt of K256 000 for reconstruction,” said Simkonda.

On Monday, Rotary Club of Mzuzu donated 1 000 tree seedlings to protect the school from heavy winds, said club president Moses Mkandawire.

He pledged that the Rotarians will help settle the debt and lobby for decent classrooms.

“We can’t allow our students to be learning in this environment. This shows that we are not serious as a nation,” he said.