Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-21 06:23:58
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has expressed strong disapproval of the destructive behavior exhibited by students who vandalize school property during disputes with teachers. She emphasized that such actions are counterproductive and contradict the government’s efforts to improve educational standards in the country. The minister’s remarks came during her visit to Kamwanya Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Mchinji, where students caused over K25 million worth of damage in protest against the suspension of their peers for disciplinary issues.
The vandalism at Kamwanya CDSS resulted in the deliberate destruction of over 7,200 textbooks and damage to information and communications technology laboratories. Minister Kambauwa Wirima highlighted the significant financial cost of replacing the destroyed property, which diverts resources that could be used for other developmental projects. She urged students to refrain from engaging in activities that undermine the progress of the education sector and assured that the Ministry of Education is actively working on policies to deter such behavior.
Furthermore, the Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec) strongly condemned the vandalism at Kamwanya CDSS, labeling it as a setback to educational values and progress. In a statement signed by Csec Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe and Board Chairperson Limbani Nsapato, the coalition expressed distress over the repeated incidents of school vandalism and called for collaborative efforts from parents, guardians, community members, NGOs, and all stakeholders to address the root causes of indiscipline among students.
Mchinji Police Station reported the arrest of 11 students in connection with the vandalism at Kamwanya CDSS. This incident adds to a series of similar acts of destruction in schools across the country, including Robert Blake Secondary School in Dowa, Nachitheme Secondary School in Ntcheu, and St John Bosco Secondary School in Mzimba. The ongoing trend of vandalism underscores the urgent need for interventions to address underlying issues and promote discipline within the education system.
Minister Kambauwa Wirima’s visit to Kamwanya CDSS serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of educational infrastructure and resources. The government, in collaboration with organizations like Csec, is committed to safeguarding educational institutions from acts of vandalism and fostering a conducive learning environment for students. By addressing the root causes of indiscipline and promoting a culture of respect and responsibility, the education sector can progress towards its goal of improving educational opportunities for all students in Malawi.
Read the original article on The Times
