Minister asks private schools to offer quality education
By Emmanuel Simpokolwe:
Deputy Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, has asked independent schools in the country not to compromise on the quality of education that they offer.
Wirima said this on Friday in Lilongwe during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Independent Schools Association of Malawi (Isama).
She said independent schools have been entrusted to offer education on behalf of the government and must adhere to set standards as stipulated in the Constitution.
According to Wirima, while some private schools are doing well and sending many learners to institutions of higher learning, others still need to adapt to the standards set by the ministry.
She said government believes in quality education and that that is why the government put education in the Malawi Agenda 2063 as one of the priorities.
“The ministry introduced standards that are being used by inspectors in both public and independent schools. Make sure that you get the copy of the standards,” Wirima said.
Isama outgoing president, Joseph Patel, who has served the association for two terms, said it has been tough for independent schools operating amid the Covid pandemic.
“Apart from closures of schools, independent schools also have challenges accessing books for primary schools since the government has been printing for public schools only,” Patel said.
He added that some private schools have been warned that they will be closed by Ministry of Education officials who did not bother to provide reasons for the warning.
Patel then asked the government to consider helping private schools with learning materials, infrastructure and human resources.
During the AGM, Patel did not seek re-election. Instead, Wycliffe Chimwendo was voted as Isama new president.
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