Malawi Government Kicks Against Charging Public School Students Fees

Malawi’s Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa has warned education officers against charging in public primary schools students fees, saying it contributes to high drop out rate.

She reminded school administrators about a circular which the government released in January last year, that officers prohibited from charging fees such as registration fees, fines, summer school fees and card fees among others.

She said some students drop out of school after failing to pay the user fees, a development which hinders the goal of free primary education set up to make primary education accessible to everyone.

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Speaking at the official opening of Human Capital Scorecard training at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, the Education Secretary said it is disappointing to hear that some officers are still demanding money from students despite the government’s orders,

she said that head teachers, Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) and District Directors of Education, Youth and Sports (DEYS) should not allow this happen under their watch, saying if not careful they will be punished.

She called to various players and partners working in the education sector to rally behind the ministry in order to achieve high quality education at all levels.