By Charles Nkhoma

Lilongwe, January 21, Mana: Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has urged the Ministry of Education to re-open Chaminade Marianist Secondary School, which was closed due to allegations of corporal punishment and governance issues. 

On Monday, the Ministry of Education, through its Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, confirmed that the school was shut down because it practiced corporal punishment, which is prohibited by law. 

However, PRISAM President Dr. Ernest Kaonga has appealed to the government to reopen the school, emphasising that innocent students are bearing the brunt of the closure. 

“As PRISAM, we believe the best approach to resolve this matter is for the ministry to invite the school authorities for a roundtable discussion to map the way forward.

I believe that dialogue and engagement are the only viable solutions, as the closure disproportionately affects students, particularly those preparing for MSCE and JCE examinations," said Kaonga. 

In response, Mphatso Nkuonera stated that the ministry is unaware of any plans by PRISAM for a meeting and has not received official communication regarding the matter. 

“As a ministry, we have not received any formal communication. However, I want to stress that we are open to discussions with PRISAM.

We are also working on plans to support students who are currently idle, especially those preparing for national examinations," he added.