Some parents in Chipata have welcomed the re-opening of schools on Thursday this week with mixed feelings.
In a separate interviews this morning, Sara Banda and Mrs. Mbewe says that though the announcement has come as shock to many parents, schools still need to be opened as many pupils had fallen into bad activities.
The duo have since appealed to school authorities not to chase pupils over school fees but rather give parents chance to look for the money.
Yesterday Government announced that all examination classes and some critical classes will reopen on August 5th, 2021, to create more time for lessons and recover the lost time.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga stated that these include grades 7, 10, 11 and 12.
Mr Malupenga clarified that secondary schools to reopen for boarding school include grades 10, 11 and 12, while those to reopen for day school are 11 and 12, while the Primary school learning will only be subjected to those in grade 7 classes.
Mr Malupenga said the reopening of examination classes will enable pupils and teachers to adequately prepare for the examinations.
The Permanent Secretary justified that the current COVID-19 situation in the country, coupled with assessment and certification of schools, has led to the reopening of certain grades, adding that extending closure may make it difficult for pupils to catch up on lessons.
Mr. Malupenga noted that the reopening of the remaining classes will be based on the inspection and certification by the Ministries of General Education and Health in conjunction with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) as well as the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
