Mama Khadija Girls Private Academy says the ringleaders of the last month’s fracas that erupted at the school will be liable for the damages.
Classes resumed at the school on Tuesday, March 6 after its indefinite closure on February 20.
The school was closed after the students went on strike claiming they were served with ‘rotten vegetables’, forcing the management to dismiss other students.
But after discussions with parents, the school has re-instated the four dismissed students as part of solving the problem but they were given final warning letters.
However, apart from giving them the letters, the management has vowed the students will still be liable for the damages.
The school’s Head Mistress, Anna Kandulo confirmed the development in an interview with Malawi Muslims Official Website.
She further said students were also only allowed at the school upon been escorted by their parents or guardians where rules and regulations were once again signed.
“The school has lost several items; beddings, blankets, plates among others are reported missing,” said the Headmistress.
“We are in the process of counting the cost of damages. Soon we shall come up with a definite figure for students to pay for the damages,” remarked the Headmistress.
Reports indicate that many things were lost at the school including personal belongings of other ‘innocent’ students.
“I lost all my personal belongings. I believe some people got advantage and stole my bags,” lamented Fatima Matola who hails from Balaka.
Meanwhile, parents have welcomed the move by the management to re-open the academy.
“We are very much pleased with the re-opening. We were much worried of our daughters’ future,” commented Sister Chande of Balaka who has two daughters at the Academy.
One ‘innocent’ student also expressed her gladness to be back at the school.
“Our actions are regrettable. Some of us were not involved. We pray this should not happen again,” Fatima Kaunda a Form 1 student said.
Meanwhile, the fracas at the Academy did not spare the Mama Khadija Primary School which is within the same complex.
“We feel threatened by the conduct of Academy students. This has negatively effected our pupils. There is a change in their behaviour since that fracas erupted,” commented Deputy Headmistress for Mama Khadija Primary School, Grace Mkwera.