By Draxon Maloya
Misunderstandings that came about as a result of muslim communities in Machinga District demanding that their children put on hijab when going to christian mission schools have resulted to the immediate closure of the school hence leaving scores of learners stranded.
Here below is a well detailed account on how meetings leading to the closure of the school were conducted.
AN UPDATE FROM MPIRI SCHOOL IN MACHINGA SOUTH EAST
Following the fracas at Mpiri school due to misunderstanding of school uniform versus hijab, three highly powered delegation was sent by the Machinga DEM to Mpiri school on 13/10/2020.. These are Human resource from the DEM’s Office; The Information department from the office of Machinga DC and the Zone PEA of Namasika where Mpiri school is located.
The delegation met school teachers and the hijab task force separately on 13/10/2020 in the afternoon.
The community of Mpiri school has a history of dictating the school head and his staff. Refusal to be dictated, the community demands his removal from the school.
The hijab task force demanded the removal of the school head for not allowing Islamic girls to put on hijab.
Christian Teachers expressed their unsafe stay at the school
After hearing from the two sides ( teachers and hijab task force) the delegation went back to report to the DEM.
On 14/10/2020 the office of the DEM decided to transfer all the 28 teachers including the school head to other schools. .Mpiri school will remain closed for a period of not less than two years from today.
On 14/10/2020 the head teacher and his deputy were transferred to Namandanje and Nathendo schools respectively in the same district.. Two lady teachers have also arrived at their new schools. The transfer of the remaining teachers at Mpiri school will continue today.