Civil Society Education Coalition-CSEC has described as an educational crisis in Malawi the fact that students will have to stay a few more weeks at home without learning.

The sentiments come at a time when the three week suspension of classes by government has been extended by another two weeks.

In a Statement signed by Principle Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Principle Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Chikondano Mussa and Charles Mwansambo respectively, the two Ministries are requesting that all students in boarding schools as well as residential students in colleges and universities should be released and go back home within the extended two week period.

In reaction to the statement, CSEC’s Executive Director, Benedicto Kondowe says prolonged closure of schools will badly affect the country’s education system.

“This will negatively affect our leaners because they are staying without learning. You can imagine that since the schools opened last year it has been on and off and the prolonged closure of schools is a crisis to our education system,” Said Kondowe.

However, Kondowe has ruled out an option for the Ministry of Education to roll out online lessons saying only a few students who are well to do can managed to benefit from the initiative.

Meanwhile, government is urging all students, parents and guardians not to relent on Covid-19 prevention measures while at home.