Written by Richard Kayenda

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)—Although government and other education stakeholders in the country are of the view that schools should open on 13 July this year, some activists in the country hold a strong objection to the proposal, calling it fatal due to the alarming rate of Covid-19.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the organisations, Youth and Society (YAS) and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), have expressed the objection, following government’s recent communication on the decision.

According to YAS Executive Director, Charles Kajoloweka, opening the schools at the current rate of Coronavirus is not dangerous only to the learners but also the whole citizenry.

“In the first place, we would like to express our concern that we are opposing reopening of schools amidst these rising cases of Covid-19. It will be strange, reckless and irresponsible to continue risking the lives of learners as well as the general population,” said Kajoloweka.

Kajoloweka was, however, quick to advise the government and other stakeholders to explore other measures such as online learning as an alternative to help the learners.

Commenting on the sentiments, Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA) President, Joseph Patel, said his association has reviewed their earlier proposal to have schools reopened and wait for government to advise accordingly.

“So, we are saying because of Covid-19 cases, we have extended the dates until the government make another communication,” Patel said.

Apparently, Kenyan Government has announced that it has completely closed schools until next year due to the same pandemic of Covid-19.

So far, 1877 Malawians have tested positive for the disease and 24 people have died of the same.