School in need of isolation centre

Iponga Community Day Secondary School in Karonga has asked stakeholders to construct a makeshift isolation centre  for learners who may test positive for Covid-19.

The school’s deputy head teacher Flora Chunda made the call on Monday when  Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) donated personal protective equipment (PPE)and sanitary pads to the school.

She said: “The situation is dire as we use one of the classrooms when the need arises.

“The development is affecting lessons as the school has four classrooms against an enrolment of 250 students.”

Chunda said some learners come from distant places such as Ngisi and Ngana and might be exposed to the virus while in transit.

She, however, commended EAM for the donation, saying it will enhance class attendance.

Speaking on behalf of other learners, Form Four student Alinafe Mwakakobe  said the facemasks will protect them from catching the virus.

“Most learners cannot afford to buy face masks and hand sanitisers. So, the donation has come at the right time when we needed them,” she said. 

On his part, EAM health commission national coordinator Howard Kasiya said the situation of schools in the area [Senior Chief Mwakaboko] prompted his organisation to mobilise funds to help learners and teachers fight the pandemic.

“Senior Chief Mwakaboko borders Tanzania; hence, the decision to procure PPE for 20 primary schools and one secondary school,” he said.

EAM with support from Christian Aid donated PPE and sanitary pads worth K6 million.