Four months down the line, Independent Schools Association of Malawi-ISAMA- has advised its membership to reopen schools on 13th July as earlier proposed by Task force on the reopening of schools.

But the ministry of education has brushed aside the advice observing that re-opening of schools would only have to be after thorough stakeholders’ consultations.

Education Principal Secretary, Justin Saidi told Zodiak Online Tuesday that ISAMA got it wrong when it assumed that 13th July was the final agreed date for reopening.

“Schools are not reopening on such a date because this date was just a proposal. We are waiting for ministry of health to advise us on the status of Coronavirus in the country,” said Saidi.

ISAMA president, Joseph Patel, says the decision to re-open the schools was made based on the recommendation on COVID-19 preventive guidelines as presented by ministry of education on 6th July.

“After ministry of education advised us yesterday not to reopen school, we will comply. We will wait for the next set date,” Patel said.

Meanwhile, an organization for parents and guardians has put foot down that no children would be allowed back to school as the need for health outweighs importance for resumption of studies in the circumstances.

“Paramount right is to have life,” as the world including Malawi is struggling with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, according to COAM President Dr. Padambo.

The association says it will drag to court any schools that shall reopen on 13th July.