By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Education has announced the temporary closure of schools in regions anticipated to be affected by Cyclone Chido. The directive, issued in a notice from the Secretary for Education, highlights the South West Education Division, Shire Highlands Education Division, and South East Education Division as the primary areas of concern. The decision follows technical advice from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services.
In the notice, the Ministry has advised students in boarding schools within the affected divisions to remain on school premises. School management has been instructed to implement necessary safety measures to protect students during the cyclone’s expected impact.
The precautionary measures extend to Dedza and Ntcheu Districts, where schools will also be temporarily closed. While Cyclone Chido poses a significant threat, the Ministry has assured that these closures are a temporary measure, with normal classes expected to resume on Tuesday.
The Ministry’s decision underscores its commitment to prioritizing student safety as Malawi braces for potential devastation caused by the cyclone.