Education

The Malawi National Association for the Deaf (MANAD) in conjunction with the Centre for Language Studies (CLS) yesterday, 24 November, launched the first ever Malawian Sign Language Dictionary at the University of Malawi. Commenting on the dictionary, UNIMA Associate Professor of Linguistics, Dr Winfred Mkochi heaped praises on MANAD saying itis a step in the right direction for Malawi to have an inclusive and self-reliant society as stipulated in the Malawi 2063 Vision document. He also stressed that the dictionary will not only be used as a resource in teaching and learning the sign language but also it will promote the use of Malawian Sign Language and enhance the Deaf community’s enjoyment of right to use their language of choice as stipulated in the Malawi Constitution. Amon...

The Ministry of Education has confirmed the temporary closure of Mlambe Primary School in Dedza. The development follows the death of a pupil and the admission of several learners due to the cholera outbreak. Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera said despite the current situation the School Feeding Programme will continue and be suspended only in schools where cholera cases are said to be on the increase. Nkuonera explained that the issue of the cholera outbreak being multi-sectoral the recommendation was to temporarily stop teaching to protect other learners, teachers and the community. "The current status does not warrant the closure of schools across the country. The ministry will suspend teaching and learning in those schools where figures keep ...

SOFF on Monday handed over an 80 bed girls' hostel to Katowo Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in the area of Senior Chief Katumbi in Rumphi District. Speaking after handing over of the hostel, Chakwera called for concerted efforts among stakeholders including local and international organisations to support education sector in constructing school girls hostels across the country. She said girls face a lot of challenges as they strive to achieve and excel in their education, hence the need to come up with deliberate initiatives which can address the challenges, hence the provision of the hostel to the school. "I, therefore, appeal to all stakeholders at different levels to ensure that girls remain in school so that they grow into productive citizens," said Chakwera. Deputy...

By Our Reporter As national demonstrations are being held in almost all major cities of the country over the lack of leadership in the Tonse Alliance administration, the leadership crisis seems to be spreading like a pandemic to other agents of the government, in this case, the University of Malawi, as the students were yesterday staging massive vigils, effectively putting all academic business to a standstill. “The bone of contention is an academic calendar. The University management in their wisdom released an academic calendar to the effect that we will be having one semester in one year instead of two semesters per year. Having one semester per year means that the students will be taking 8 years to complete a four-year degree programme and the students can’t imagine that. The st...

The Ministry of Education has ordered an alteration to school timetables for schools in Shire Valley districts to start and knockoff early in the wake of the heatwave being experienced in the area. The announcement by Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa, comes after the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services warned of rising temperatures of above 42 degrees celsius in and surrounding areas. The heat wave is expected to be intense between midday to 3 pm and is expected to last for five days ending Sunday. Mussa says the waiver means teachers and learners should conduct classes between 7 am and 12 pm to ensure everyone is protected from the heatwave. The statement also encourages teachers and learners to hydrate at all times and that teachers and learners...

One of the concerned students against academic calendar, Louis Tidziwenji who has been served with  a strong warning has expressed disappointment with the administration's decision of serving one of them, Ekari Mathuka with a different punishment on the same charges that all the 7 were alleged to commit. In an interview with Chanconews, Tidziwenji has said the suspension of Mathuka is a clear indication that the administration had other issues beyond the ones that were leveled against him during disciplinary hearing. Further, Tidziwenji has said they were expecting to be served only with a strong warning as they issued a public apology to the speakers before being summoned for the disciplinary hearing. Former Student Representative Council Director of academic affairs, Mayam...