LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has condemned Basic and Secondary Education Ministry for indecisive tendencies that confuses the sector including academic calendar.
CSEC observes that prompt reversal of primary and secondary academic calendar has demonstrated poor leadership in government.
Addressing the news conference on Friday, September 12, CSEC Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe observes that “Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education’s abrupt reversal of its directive to reopen schools on 15th September 2025, reverting within hours to the original date of 22nd September 2025.
“Such rapid shifts create unnecessary confusion for parents, learners, and schools, many of whom may not have received the second circular in time”.
Kondowe observes further, “This incident reflects a recurring pattern of abrupt and poorly managed decisions in the sector from the last-minute cancellation of teacher salary harmonisation meetings, to inconsistent directives on summer classes, and even past circulars that authorised hidden costs such as additional levies of MK 1,000.00 despite the policy of free primary education.
“These practices undermine public trust, destabilise school planning, and weaken confidence in government leadership”.
CSEC therefore calls upon the Ministry to adopt thoughtful, transparent, and consultative decision-making that safeguards the stability of the education system.
“Going forward, decisions of national importance must be guided by: Clear planning and adequate notice to schools and households; Inclusive consultation with key education stakeholders; Robust communication using all available channels to prevent confusion; and Consistency and accountability to strengthen confidence in the sector”.
Kondowe adds, ” Education is the foundation of Malawi’s future. It must be protected not by abrupt reversals. But by careful, progressive, and responsible leadership that places learners, families, and teachers at the centre.
“CSEC stands ready to support the Ministry in institutionalising better processes, but we will continue to speak out when instability threatens learners, families, and schools”.
Immediately, Basic and Secondary Education Ministry issued press statement of schools opening on September 15, the public reacted angrily which prompted the Minister Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima releasing another reversal statement that schools remain closed till September 22 after Malawi’s General elections.