Cyclone: Malawi extends suspension of schools

Malawi Government has extended suspension of schools in the southern region until March 31, when the second term will to end.

This is because about 230 schools have been turned into holding camps for internally displaced communities.

Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa, made the announcement in a statement released Saturday.

Mussa stated that the decision follows a rapid assessment that the ministry made in schools within the Cyclone Freddy-affected areas.

Initially, the Malawi government suspended the schools for a week (up to March 17) in the wake of Cyclone Freddy.

The cyclone had killed at least 438 people and displaced 345,183 people as of Friday evening local time.

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Classes in all schools in affected region will resume on April 17, when third term begins, according to the statement.

“Most structures such as classrooms and toilets are unsafe.

“Hence, they need certification before children can enter the school.

“Other infrastructures such as roads, bridges and support services need maintenance or restoration for learners to access schools safely,” the Minister said.

However, learners sitting for national and international examinations will return to school on March 27.

The rest in primary and secondary schools will write their end of second term examinations in the first week of the third term. (Xinhua)