LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday, August 10, 2023, had a hot debate in the house on whether primary school learners should start putting on trousers for both males and females.
Moving the motion on a private members’ day, Zomba Thondwe lawmaker, Roseby Gadama observes that due to the change of weather patterns primary school learners should be given an opportunity to put on trousers.
Supporting the motion, Zomba Malosa legislator, Grace Kwelepeta said the move will help girls, especially in the Muslim community to full fill their religious beliefs.
Chitipa South MP, Welani Chilenga added that “Gone are the days when pupils should be wearing shorts as the temperature keep on changing to the extent of 3 degrees making learners uncomfortable”.
Chilenga however cited government changed the police policy of officers wearing now trouser uniforms from short trousers.
However, Dowa West lawmaker, Abel Kayembe disagrees with the proposal arguing that “It’s very expensive for primary learners to put on uniform trousers in his area unless if there will be a provision of the changed uniforms”.
“Some of my people can’t even afford to purchase the current uniform and imposing a trouser attire uniform will just worsen the development,” said Kayembe.
Guiding the members on a point of order Nkhotakota North legislator, who is also the former speaker of Parliament, Henry Chimunthu Banda said the motion seeks to allow the Ministry of Education to give guidance within 14 days according to the standing orders of the August House on the pupils’ attire
Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko said government will come up with answers to the said topic once they have a series of consultations with several stakeholders within the given time.