Fury over Kalibu Academy director’s rude, sexist letter to parents
Kalibu Academy director and owner Michael Howard has come under fire from parents and guardians after he wrote a letter which has since been described as condescending, insolent and chauvinistic.
In a May 9 letter to parents, Howard noted that there hasbeen so much vocal criticism on social media against Kalibu Academy from certain parents regarding the fees structure.
“I can say the following:1. Of all the critics not one has contacted the Academy before verbalizing on the social media. There are proper channels for solving legitimate grievances. The court of public opinion will not move the leadership of Kalibu Academy. Such behavior is not the way to deal with issues and is actually immoral.
“Those parents who have most to say are often those parents who have not paid fees up to date.Remember parents, you are passing through and we remain.School rules are school rules. Every parent signs the list of school rules. You cannot then start complaining against the school and seeking to dismantle the rules to suit yourself or your kid,” his letter reads in part.
Howard further claimed that the elite grammar school is owed over K60 million by delinquent parents, many of who appear on social media complaining about the academy.
“I think it would be very fair for me to publicize the names and amounts that delinquent parents owe,” he said.
The school head also noted that he is amazed how faithful and honourable single mothers are especially in the payment of fees.
“Well done to single mothers. Your burdens are heavy, I know, but you are really faithful. Thank you as well as thank you to the parents who do pay on time and who do not oppose everything we are doing at Kalibu Academy in the best interests of your son/daughter,” he wrote.
But commentators have hit back at the tone of the letter, accusing the controversial church pastor of being sexist, confrontational and rude.
In a Facebook post, writer and social commentator Idriss Ali Nassah noted: “You can bet on this:Kamuzu Academy or Saint Andrew’s would never write to parents/guardians in such a rude, arrogant, unprofessional, patronizing and condescending manner. KA and Saints are owed large sums of money, too. The difference is that Saints and KA have class. Kalibu has a bully who, in all probability, writes letters to parents when high on some illicit substance.
“If this is how parents are spoken to, imagine what the students there go through at the hands of this person. It must be terrifying! Parents must unite and confront this bully,” he wrote.
A parent who has a ward at Kalibu Academy noted that the problem as arisen because the school has no Parents Teachers Association (PTA) where such issues can be addressed.
“In late 2018 we wrote them that letter asking for the formation a PTA. That was our attempt to create a proper parent teacher platform after observing so many issues that needed out attention.
“Kalibu never responded to that letter from us. We sent reminder emails, no response. We personally went there and met pastors Mavutula and Howard. They indicated PTA is not desirable at Kalibu but they promised to respond to the letter but never did until now,” said the parent.
Howard is never shy of controversy.
He was I the news five years ago after former students accused him of sexually molesting them.
Information sourced on several online newspapers and reports says an on-going investigation into the life and ministry of Michael Thomas Howard reveal a sordid and disturbing history of homosexuality, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse, misappropriation of ministry funds, bank fraud and deception.
One American victim, Brian Culwell, who personally donated several hundred thousand US dollars to the school, has launched an independent inquiry and investigation into these abuses among others. He has since published a website for victims at: https://michaelthomashoward.org/
There are credible and first-hand accounts and corroborating evidence which clearly reveal that Howard committed homosexual misconduct against numerous former students, missionaries and employees of the academy.
“Regrettably, the school did not report misconduct by Howard to any government ministers on this continued gay act by the director. It is clear that Michael [Howard] paid a lot of money to some officials who were aware of gay issues and victims and requested the allegations to die silently,” said one source close to the administration.
According to reports, students at the school are brutally beaten with rods of hardwood, such as blackwood, even though such corporal punishment is illegal in Malawi.
Many of them, when they leave the school, no longer believe in God because the version of God shown to them is “Awful,” and many alumni have joined support groups of former students online in order to support each other after “surviving” the nightmare of Kalibu.
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When an African fails, he wants to find someone to blame for his/her faiture. Blame shifting is for the weak. While I agree with Kalibu failure to communicate professionally, I would not condone this manner of correcting the wrong. Those that have not been able to pay school fees should not start tarnishing the image of the school that those of us who painfully paid school fees cherish. There is a number of cheaper schools like Astikana Paulendo, Chisapi and Maranatha that you can transfer your kids to.
Ngati nkhani zonsezi zili zowona, y not just pull out ur children to another xul? It is certainly not the only better xul around. If u r still keeping ur child there and just resorting to media outbursts, theres certainly more than meets the eye. Maybe yavutadi mdi fees’yo
Vuto ndi makolo because most of them don’t ever see the bad side all they see is that the school is Christian some parents send their children there out of not wanting to be bothered
If one wondered what one of the stumbling blocks to Malawi developing is, they would just have to come read the comments section on this article. It is clear many are happy to dance to the tune of the white abuser because they think that will make them look “rich,” “intelligent,” “ozitsata.”
People happily accepting the yoke of neo-colonialism. Shaking my damn head.
Please stop abusing the social media. We are not going to sympathize with you. Fulfil your responsibility by paying school fees in time. Nobody forced you to send your kids there. Some of us, our children are in government schools because we can’t afford Kalibu Academy fees.
pitani kalipireni fees. mumatumiza ana ku xul zomwe simungathe kulipira fees. matama mufa nawo.
Anthu achuma kulephera kulipira fees. Hedee ulu!!
Just go pay the fees. Amalawi tazolowera protesting everything. If you cant afford, don’t send your kids there. If the school is gay, take your kids out.
Just go and withdraw your Kid, People like Atalanta GA don’t know how to deal with new generation of colonialists, still leeking their ‘ass”’
You have every right to be in denial about the truth that we live in a white mans world. However, fact remains they have the best schools on the planet and if you want your kid to standout or become something you send them there. If you cant afford the fees, send your kids to government schools, they are free. People have also made it from those schools. if you want your kids to say “agene-siti (against) or Klo-vesi (clothes)” its fine palibe amalesa. We have many accomplished Malawians who are like this. Just don’t ruin it for everyone else with unsubstantiated bollocks. Pay the white man what he is owed!!
Mutalephera kulipira fees mwati mubweretse nkhani za 5 years ago? Nthawi yonseyi munali kuti? Chamba eti
On a second thought, there are a couple of issues that need to be pointed out:
(1) Malawians have an opportunity to improve their financial integrity and financial literacy.Most families that send their children did not just wake up one morning being requested for fees.They knew all along this fees issue was going to come.They should have planned better so that fees is paid on time.
(2) Most Malawians don’t have the decency of calling the Headmaster and telling him that due to economic times, they may not pay on time.Then negotiate with him for a definitive date when they will pay and stick to the agreement.In my personal life,even when people borrow MK10,000 to be repaid in a weeks time, most would not have the audacity of coming to settle as agreed.We do need to change as a people.
(3) What has arisen is a business opportunity through what Howard has raised.Why don’t 50 Malawians, pool their funds over a two year period and build their own school that will surpass the standards at Kalibu Academy?
Chotsani mwanayo tiyeni tikamulowetse school zaboma free of charge, siyani matama kumangotisokosera mu line umu kuti mwana wanga ali ku Academy, ndizimenezo
Agreed. Too much pretence by some Malawians.
kkkk
The writer has a fees balance with the school, just pay don’t seek sympathy
The parents know the calibre of the school. Let the accept or leave. Only privileged parents can send children to Kalibu. If you are poor like me withdraw your children. Yo might have been bosses at your work place but your children are not bosses. They have to earn their place
I wouldn’t send my child to this school.
Kodi stop being bitter. If u pay up rather then having staff to remind u constantly it’s annoying and worse when some parents try to b clever n try to dodge paying. Just pay or take your child out to another school. Rules r ther to b followed.
There are many second rate white missionaries who, if you investigate their past, are escapees from shady behaviour back home. Have you noticed his praise for single mothers? Only he knows why but I wouldn’t discount . misconduct of some sort with these parents.
Just pay or go in person as an individual guardian and plead with the school administration
Using social media to make an accusation about the xul is wrong..why not just go and talk to management..inciting public to attack the institution is uncalled for..
Chokani aMalawi! Kodi umakhala ufiti kapena chani mukamamupekera nzanu nkhani? Basi cholinga muyambise chaos basi? Ndi aja mumanamizira anzanu kuti ndi opopa magazi aja, basi nkumazunzisa anzanu ndi nkhani zongopeka. Ngakhale sindiidziwa Kalibuyo koma kagwereni uko mwamva. Ngati simukuifuna sukuluyo bwanji osapita sukulu ina? Akukukakamizani ku Karibu ndani? Inetu sindimamva nkhani chifukwa munthu wandifotokozera, ndimayamba ndaiunika kaye nkuona ngati mukufotokozamo muli chilungamo kapena ayi or kungofuna kupanga implicate wina. Kaulukireni kutali mwamva!!!
I agree with China why would a responsible parent sending kids to such schools
beware of pedophiles and the government do they check who is who through
CBR LIke in western countries or just because is white you think is holy ,It is
sad to here such stories in Malawi awalys feeling inferiority complex.
Very disappointmented with country though i live in Europe ..
Two things here Idrissa those who are not happy with Malibu can leave and go to what you say are good schools Saints or Kamuzu. Fees is not a secret just pay the money or send your child to government school. I personally know Howard, he is a good man and the article here was written by a paid agent of his rival. But mavutula is the one who is the devil and witch.
Ah palibe nkhani apa, kupusa eti? Tangolipilani fees. if you can’t pay the fees send your kids to other schools private or government but cheaper or affordable to your means. A lot of Malawians did not go to Karibu academy. We went to local schools some in villages and still made it in life.
I fear the headmaster is right. Delinquent parents who want to live above their means are actually lowering the standard of education for the kids whose parents can afford. Remove yourselves in peace.kuyipitsa school on social media only ruins the reputation of that institution for both future and past alumni. However let government investigate these gay rumours or PTA committee institute their own inquiry into the matter other than barking on social media. Ana onse anadutsa ku karibu will become gays before people’s eyes before u know it. Tread carefully.
Africans have the problem of always wanting to be validated by white people.White people are EVIL!
Some of.us have passed through the same corridors and we have been shaped thanks to the school your insulting. Have you never been beaten at school before? let me ask you…so if your child is not doing their work right or misbehaving and your paying lots of money no progress is showing obviously you will blame the school for not carrying out their duties and responsibilities when your child fails ..you be like eeh the school is not teaching well yet its ur fault you pamper them too much….so if your thoughtful of other peoples investments because education is an investment and you know it. Not all students that leave Kalibu stop believing God…its ones choice in life to believe or not so its not Kalibu Academy’s fault….Kalibu is a Christian school and every single day we praise God through songs and also listen to the word of God by our teachers . If you went to Kalibu amd miss heaven then thats because you made that choice.Kalibu Academy is the best school and that you should know. ..they do their very best to make sure quality students come out to the nation and world to serve in different sectors of the industry in the world .Malawi listen Kalibu is the best of the best schools you could ever send your child to. You will not regret because they have hard working teachers…teachers who are more concerned about the child not the money they receive..they will train and shape your child to always be a great person in the society. Kalibu is unique from all institutions in Malawi in all ways.
I think most of the parents send their wards there either one of the following reasons ;
1. They enjoy company benefits to send their kids to such type of xuls.
2. They want to show off they’ve monies
3. They want to compete with their counterparts
4. They want to be associated with int. xuls whiff regardless of the circumstances under which their wards go thru.
5. They very much bliv Kalibu academy is heaven on earth when it comes to education
6. Above all, maybe there is more to their liking the xul more than meets the eye.
But honestly, given a chance, I can’t send my ward to this xul basing on past evil stories of this so called head teacher ~Pastor Howard
He is an evil creature.
You dont like the school, why not move your child elsewhere?
At least single mothers have been noted and praised for hardworking and paying fees on time. A lot of men ndi mapesi – too much pomp but no money. Some are even begging money from women to feed wife and children at home.
Mmmmh. Comment from a single mother. I am sure she pays fees herself; not aided by the school.
A malawi simubweza ngongole. You should be responsible. I totally agree with Howard – He is not rude or sexist at all.
send ur kids to xools u can afford. dont copy rich peoples lives. why send ur kid to an expensive xool when u r poor. fuck you
Why complaining? A Malawi, we are just good at complaining! Tisiyeni Ife timve zina, mavuto ngambiri mdzikoli! Osangochokako bwanji? Sukulu zambirimbiri, even better than Kalibu wanuyo! Aaaa! Ife zomatisokosera ndi za ziiii, ayi!!?
I saw the letter. It’s sad that Malawians can be taken for granted by foreigners who think they are more superior than everyone around. The guy is so colonialist is and racist and has no respect for humanity. Now I learn he is a pastor??? Parents and guardians for the schools children must be patient for sure! But you need to approach him for sure!
Why are malawians continuing to send their kids to this school?Wake up parents
The school is satanic but hiding behind God’s amazing name. Rudeness, pride, harshness, disrespect, intimidation are all hallmarks of the devil and you find them all in the so-called pastor Howard. I wonder why government is yet to pounce on this social misfit. Wake up government and get rid of this sad man
NO, its not satanic
It means they are ok. Simple!! Nkhani ya Howard siyachilendo but parents are sticking to Kalibu, so, they are comfortable. Period!
Mwayamba kunyoza chifukwa mwalephera kulipira fees? Anakuuzani kuti mutumize mwana wanu kumeneko ndi ndani?