Govt orders all schools to close during holiday period

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The government has directed that the current school holiday must be observed strictly as a break with no teaching or learning activities taking place during this period.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology signed by its principal secretary, Ken M’dala, all schools are required to close for the holiday without exception.

Reads communication in part: “The directive applies to both public and private institutions, warning that no school is permitted to conduct lessons while learners are officially on holiday.”

The ministry emphasized that the holiday period is an integral part of the education calendar and should be respected as such.

In its communication, the ministry explained that holidays are meant to give learners time to rest, recover and spend quality time with their families and guardians, rather than remaining in classrooms.

The statement further noted that some schools and individuals have been organizing lessons during holidays in exchange for payment.

The ministry described this practice as unethical and in direct violation of national education policies and guidelines.

It warned that such actions undermine the structure of the education system and place unnecessary pressure on learners.

To enforce the directive, the ministry has instructed education administrators at district and local levels, including District Education Managers (DEMs) and Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), to be vigilant.

These officials have been tasked with ensuring that no teaching takes place in their respective areas during the holiday period.

The ministry added that any school or individual found defying the directive will face disciplinary action without exception.

In an interview, Dr. Steve Shara, an education expert and Dean of Education at Unicaf University has highlighted that structured breaks are essential for effective learning.

He notes that continuous instruction without adequate rest can lead to burnout, reduced motivation, and poor academic outcomes among learners.

Dr. Shara further explains that holidays allow learners to develop socially and emotionally through interaction with family and community, which complements formal education.

He also stresses that enforcing uniform holiday observance promotes fairness, ensuring that no learners are advantaged or disadvantaged by informal, paid lessons.

The ministry’s directive is therefore seen as a step toward protecting both the integrity of the education system and the holistic development of learners across the country.