Teachers in the country have been advised to adhere to their expected dressing code so as to inspire learners in their academic and social lives.
The sentiments from Charles Kumchenga, Secretary General of the Teachers‘ Union of Malawi, follow a letter from Central East Education Division addressed to all Head Teachers under the education division that some primary school teachers are not dressing appropriately.
“This office is aware of the constitutional rights that we all have when it comes to the right of dressing. However, as teachers we need not be on the extreme offensive to others because of our dressing,’’reads part of the letter, dated 12th June 2023.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Kumchenga has said they are also rallying behind calls for teachers to be professional, a thing he argues is also crucial in ensuring that the country’s education standards are upheld.
“Our Malawi Public Service Regulations-MPSR clearly stipulates how a teacher must dress while in class and this really saves as a reminder to all teachers to go back to the document and follow what is already stipulated, ‘’said Kumchenga.
According to him, poor dressing on the part of teachers can negatively affect the profession and the students themselves as it may result in loss of concentration among students in class.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Education has reminded all public servants to abide by the code of conduct for Malawi public service for effective service delivery.
Mphatso Nkuonera, spokesperson for the Ministry of education told MIJ Online that the ministry respects the right of dressing as stipulated in the Malawi constitution, however public servants have code of conducts and ethics that must be adhered to.
Some of the inappropriate dressing by teachers listed in the letter seen by MJI online include miniskirts, too tight trousers, t/shirts, sports shoes during working hours, untucked shirts, bareback dresses and dirty clothes.