By Malawi Freedom Network
Teachers at Lilongwe Private School in Area 2 have expressed fears of reprisals ahead of a scheduled board meeting, citing past incidents and ongoing concerns over poor administration and alleged mismanagement.
The board has arranged an interface with the primary section teaching staff following complaints that have recently circulated on social media regarding working conditions, salary disparities, and leadership practices.
Several teachers have indicated they may struggle to speak openly during the meeting, citing the board’s reputation for being intimidating and uncompromising when staff raise concerns.
They recalled a similar meeting held several years ago, during which the then Teachers’ Welfare Chairperson, Mr. Francis, detailed challenges affecting staff.
Following that meeting, Mr. Francis was reportedly summoned to the office of a board member in January and asked to provide further information regarding the issues he raised.
A month later, in February, Mr. Francis lost his job under circumstances teachers believe were deliberate retaliation, intended to punish him for speaking out. This event continues to influence how current staff approach such engagements.
Teachers report that major challenges in the primary section include poor salaries, weak and unprofessional leadership, and racially discriminatory practices by the current head. They allege that some teachers are rewarded for minimal effort, while others face scrutiny or are accused of dishonesty. Sick leave policies, they claim, are inconsistently applied, with staff of Asian origin receiving leniency while Malawian teachers are allegedly accused of lying about illness, with the head reportedly saying that “nobody falls sick on Mondays or Fridays.”
Governance gaps were also highlighted, with teachers noting the absence of a Parents Teachers Association or school committee to oversee education and staff welfare. They say all authority rests solely with the head teacher, who makes unilateral decisions without consultation, leaving staff with no formal representation.
Some teachers have proposed introducing an anonymous suggestion box to allow staff to submit concerns and recommendations without fear of victimisation.
Calls are being made for the Ministry of Education to intervene regarding the employment of untrained and unqualified teachers at the school. Human rights organisations are automatically invited to investigate these allegations, and the Malawi National Registration Bureau is being urged to look into the awarding of national identification cards to foreign nationals at the school who originally came on diplomatic missions but continue to reside in the country.
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