Malawi Catholic bishops decry low education standards, abolition of JC and STD 8 exams

A pastoral statement the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) released Sunday the bishops of the Catholic Church in the country have again  pointed out that education standards continue to go down in public schools (primary, secondary and tertiary).

President Mutharika with Catholic bishops@ Catholic bishops say Education is the fulcrum of the nation's development. It is the foundation upon which all other sectors are built.  at the function
President Mutharika with Catholic bishop who  say education is the fulcrum of the nation’s development. It is the foundation upon which all other sectors are built. at the function

“Lack of or overcrowded classrooms, lack of teaching materials, shortage of teachers and deteriorating infrastructures – dilapidated buildings, near-collapsed libraries and ill-equipped laboratories, among others are the many signs of a malfunctioning education system,” reads the pastoral letter under the theme ‘Mercy of God as a Path of Hope’, read out in Catholic Churches nationwide.

“ We wish to underline that no country can achieve any meaningful development without investment in education,” the bishops said.

Catholic Church contributes immensely to education sector in the country with many reputable learning institutions.

The Bishops also expressed concern  about the possible impact of the abolition of Standard 8 and Junior Certificate examinations.

“We wish there were wider discussions and consultations before such a decision was made. This could dispel fears people have that the government only wanted to do away with Standard 8 and Junior Certificate exams for economic expediency and not raising the standards of education,” reads the pastoral statement.

The bishops also said while they are appreceg the support the government renders to the Church-owned schools, the appeal to authorities “ to do more by supporting infrastructural development in secondary schools if indeed our youth are  to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily.”

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lyten chibethi
lyten chibethi
8 years ago

unphilosophical mind will see all things as obvious, usual, absolute hardly to be argued. the world of the wisemen people do not push to rule. the problem with us we us is that our minds are politically incarcated. to question what we think is not progressing then you regard us in political realm but we should stay quiet till we all fall into a pit then you will be happy. please we do this for better Malawi otherwise remove the glasses you have put on and join us to make a better Malawi. zilibe kanthu kuti inu mwakalamba but think… Read more »

Rodgers Banda
Rodgers Banda
8 years ago

If someone is against this overzelous point by churchmen , he needs treatment at mental hospital. The virus of illiteracy can’t be cured in him since he is a brute. The ñation needs education and a paper to prove that he/she passed PSLC or JC. Without this I’m sorry the country is doomed. Let our future generations be educated unlike these uneducated criminal of Mutharika regime.

Che Kalelo
Che Kalelo
8 years ago

Catholic ndi Chipani Chandale2…Mpingo kuzuzula Boma??ma prophency aja nd amenewa2..kikikikiki…eni Boma nde amenewa

joe
joe
8 years ago

Maxwell, the Catholic Bishops are not bringing confusion. I believe somewhere somehow you are confused. By abolishing Standard 8 and JCE examinations does not imply that the government is saving money and for what transformation ? This conclusively means the down fall of education in the New Malawi as compared to the old one. Do not plant laziness in pupils and junior students. Despite economic hardship, please review your decision regarding this matter. It is not a criticism but a plea to the Ministry of Education and government.

Wisdom Kasawala
Wisdom Kasawala
8 years ago

ithink things are complicated how can three or more problems be solved together in an overnight? if pssible you church leaders, NGO’s and all concerned citizens give enough time to our president to solve out these issues with petience accept that he is a human being with some weaknesses as we are to our presdent remember that you are a parent to many tribes never loose humbleness ander stand your childrens need first then divise the proper methodology of dealing with this.

maxwell
8 years ago

My fellow Malawians ,I think it is better to be calm and see what will happen if this present Government fails in its 5yrs term.
To prepare exams needs government to produce or pay alot of money for both Primary and JCE classes
Therefore government wants to save money by doing a Reform to Transform our nation
My apeal goes to the Catholic Bishops not to bring comfussion to the government
Be the church leaders of good example

Mccarthy
8 years ago

This Muthalika must fall!!

KK
KK
8 years ago

Mai Muntharikaso mwakalamba kale choncho? kikkkkkk ndiye bola Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamiratu.

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