LEANERS RENDERED DESTITUTE AS RELIGON CLASHES WITH COVID RULES

 By Chisomo Daniels

There is a clash of religious beliefs and right to education for some learners at Khongo Primary School in Lilongwe whose parents and guardians protest the requirement for pupils to put on masks.

The development has led to some learners dropping out of school to conform to parents’ adherence to religious teachings.

One of the concerned parents, Israel Mangani has told Timveni that her "church doctrines do not allow the wearing of face masks and even to seek medical help once sick."

On her part, head teacher for Khongo primary school Patricia Phiri said all learners are encouraged to wear face masks, which are distributed for free, as precaution measure against COVID-19.

Reacting to the development, education activist Benedicto Kondowe has urged government to "intervene to ensure children’s rights are protected."

Kondowe said Malawi is at great risk of the Covid-19 pandemic which has shown to have no boundaries including social status as well as geographical location.