Association calls for discipline on Luwinga tavern desks saga

Malawi Education Writers Association (MEWA), a body comprising of journalists focusing on education reporting, has called upon authorities in the education sector to discipline those involved in bringing desks to a tavern at Luwinga in Mzuzu.

A press release issued by the association on Tuesday signed by its interim Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Malunga, expressed shock with a picture which was circulating on social media depicting individuals quenching their thirsts with some local brewed Chibuku at one tavern around Luwinga in Mzuzu while sitting on class desks.

According to an eye witness there, the desks were said to be from a nearby school.

“At first, we thought it was just some ill-minded individuals playing around with Photoshop because one would wonder in which manner and why in the 23^rd century any duty bearer would allow such to happen under their watch,” said Malunga.

He said later they learnt that the picture was true and that the Ministry of Education had already intervened on the matter.

Malunga further stated that as a professional organisation, their duty is not only to write but also play some checks and balances.

“We would like to express our concern on the development. This news is not only a shock but also disturbing realising the efforts government, organisations and other well-wishers put in to have such materials in place.

“This is pathetic as it is coming at a time when primary school learners are in dire need of learning materials such as desks. It is our sincere hope that efforts will go towards disciplining those involved in the malpractice,” he stated.

Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, said the ministry got wind of the issue last week Wednesday.

“Senior officials from the ministry followed it through and found the desks at the mentioned place. The desks have since been recovered. We are on it to bring sanity,” said Nkuonera.

Last month MEWA condemned rampant student demonstrations, mainly in government boarding secondary schools, which has left school property worth billions of Kwachas destroyed.