Communities to decide school priorities

Parents and communities around three Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) in Mzimba are set to have a bigger voice in shaping the future of their schools as government moves to let them decide which projects should come first

The move comes after communities pushed for the construction of perimeter fences, raising concerns over security and the learning environment at the schools.

Mzimba South West legislator Khumbo Hastings Kachali asked the Ministry of Education in Parliament to consider fencing Edingeni, Kavula and Mzoma Community Day Secondary Schools.

The lawmaker said the schools are located along major roads where learners are frequently disturbed by passing vehicles and roadside vendors.

Responding to the question, Minister of Education Bright Msaka acknowledged the need for perimeter fences but said the ministry believes the schools have more pressing infrastructure needs that should be discussed with local communities.

He said Edingeni and Kavula Community Day Secondary Schools require permanent classroom blocks, administration blocks, science laboratories, libraries and teachers’ houses, while Mzoma needs additional classroom blocks and teachers’ houses to improve access to secondary education.

“Without in any way undermining the proposal by the honourable member, it is the ministry’s wish that we engage with the community and the honourable member to ensure that we decide together which should take priority,” Msaka told Parliament.

The minister said the ministry’s goal is to increase access to secondary education by expanding learning facilities, adding that consultations with communities and the area legislator will help determine whether perimeter fences or other infrastructure projects should come first.