By Trouble Ziba
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: The Ministry of Education Science and Technology says it has set no dates for the reopening of schools and colleges after closure of the same on March 23, 2020.
In a press statement dated and released on Saturday, May 9, 2020, the ministry has advised the public to ignore a press statement making rounds on social media which stipulates dates for reopening of schools.
“You are therefore advised to ignore the social media false statement on the opening [of schools] purported to be circulated by us,” reads part of the press statement which is signed by the ministry’s Principal Secretary (PS), Justin Saidi.
The statement further says the Ministry of Education is aware of the need to reopen the schools and colleges, but that such a decision cannot be taken single-handedly.
“….such process shall involve the engagement with our stakeholders as well as the Ministry of Health and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19,” states the press release.
On March 23, 2020, the country’s Head of State, Arthur Peter Mutharika directed the closure of all schools and colleges in effort to prevent spread of the Coronavirus.
The virus, which has shaken the entire world, favours crowded places as its fertile ground for quick spread. Schools are some of such places when students are available.
The Education Ministry’s press statement comes at a time another press release (now discovered to be fake) is making rounds on social media on the reopening dates of schools.
Among other things, the press statement stipulates May 25, 2020 as the day when standard eight pupils and Form four students are supposed to resume normal studies.
However, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has not yet set the dates for reopening of schools and colleges in the country.
