A union of private school teachers and concerned parents has given government 48 hours to reverse its decision and reopen Blantyre and Lilongwe schools in one week.
A letter which has been signed by President for Union of Private School Teachers (UPST) Paul Kasanga and members of concern parents has been addressed to the Ministries of Education and Health in response to government stand to maintain its decision of delaying reopening of schools in the two cities.
Among other things, the union has questioned government’s capacity in putting in place measures it says will assist in containing cholera spread such as drilling boreholes within the two weeks’ timeframe.
“The Minister of Education stated that the whole country needs about 1,265 boreholes to supply clean and safe water to learners. This statement had no statistical basis to say that Blantyre and Lilongwe do not have enough boreholes in schools as compared with other districts where learning is in progress.
In fact, drilling boreholes is an expensive and long long-term project, yet we need urgent action.” Reads part of the statement
The union and the concerned parents have asked government to reconsider its decision and announce reopening of schools in Blantyre and Lilongwe on 9th January 2023.
They grouping has since given the Ministry of education 48 hours to respond warning that failing which they will hold vigils at ministry offices