State advised on closing date for schools

By MUKOSELA KASALWE THE Ministry of General Education has been urged to consider adjusting the closing date for term one once schools reopen, the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has suggested.

This follows rescheduling of the reopening of schools and tertiary institutions because of the cholera outbreak which has mainly hit Lusaka.

NAQEZ executive director Aaron Chansa says organisation was in full support of government decision to postpone the reopening of schools in the first term because of the epidemic.

Commenting on the development yesterday, he however appealed to the Ministry of General Education to consider adjusting the closing date for term one.

The non-governmental organisation, observed that the move would make pupils become academically disadvantaged.

“As National Action for Quality Education in Zambia NAQEZ, we want to fully support government over rescheduling to open term one of 2018, due to a major outbreak of the cholera mainly in Lusaka district.

“However, we appeal to the Ministry of General Education to consider adjusting the closing date for term one. This will make sure that learners are not become academically disadvantaged,” he said.

Mr Chansa called on the Lusaka city council to rise to the occasion and ensure that residents should not be exposed to cholera.

He encouraged all school-going children to always wash their hands after using the toilet and making sure that all food was made clean before eating.

Mr Chansa implored pupils across the country never to throw away books and that the organisation expected them to continue studying even during this waiting period.

He appealed to all Zambians, regardless of political or religious orientation, to unite and work together for the country to overcome the epidemic.

Mr Chansa said the cholera outbreak was a national problem requiring national action.