By Draxon Maloya
Parents whose children are still pursuing their education at various private schools in the country have cautioned private school owners against reopening of schools amidst the escalation of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country.
Earlier in the day an umbrella body for private schools in the country Independent Schools Association of Malawi (Isama) issued a press release calling on all children to report for classes on 13 July 2020.
In a letter signed by the president of Children Owners Association of Malawi (COAM), Dr C Padambo strongly warned Isama against risking the lives of Learners with a possible court action if it dare try opening the schools.
The Malawi of Education, Science and Technology is yet to issue a statement on the school reopening issue.
But a few days ago, the Health Ministry issued a statement which confirmed the rise in number of Covid-19 case in the country which has even forced government to cancel this year’s independence day celebrations.
Here below, attached to this publication is a letter which COAM has released in response to the communication on schools reopening issued by Isama.
DATE : 5
TH JULY,2020.
TO : INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION OF MALAWI (ISAMA)
Dear Sir,
OPENING OF SCHOOLS RESPONSE
We, COAM, would like to respond to your letter dated 4
th July, 2020 in which you reminded
principals, directors, administrators and headteachers of private schools under your body to
open their schools on 13th July, 2020.
The association would like to remind you that the paramount right is to have life. Other rights,
this include right to education, are exercised because there is life. Therefore, it is very
important to make sure that this right to life is protected by all means. The association is
further reminding you that the world, including Malawi, is struggling with this deadly virus by
the name of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The virus has killed dosens of people across the globe
hence prompted to school closure.
Therefore, as association we would like to inform you and the general public that on 13th July,
2020 no child should report for school. The school which will operate on that particular day will
face us in the court of law because it will be like killing our own children which is contrary to the
right to life. Parents are also advised not send their children to school on that said date,
otherwise appropriate measures will be applied to them.
We believe that life cannot wait while education can wait. Malawi government through ministry
of education in collabora.tion with ministry of health are the ones responsible to tell us on the
exact date of opening schools after thorough investigations.
I wish you all the best as we are joining hands together against COVID 19.
Yours Faithfully
Dr. C. PaCOAM PRESIDENT