By Gift Wahuta

Blantyre, May 29, Mana:  Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, warned that private schools that fail to meet standard educational requirements will be closed, as government is committed to improve standards for quality education in Malawi.

The minister said this on Wednesday when she opened the Independent Schools Association of Malawi (ISAMA) National Conference at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre under the theme; Advancing Quality in Schools: Embracing Inclusion, Digitalization, and Corporate Governance for a Sustainable Future.

Wirima emphasized government’s commitment to improve education quality in both public and private institutions, saying the ministry will not tolerate schools that fail to meet government-set standards.

“Running a school is not just a business but a responsibility. We will not allow any school to operate without qualified teachers, learning materials, or proper infrastructure,

“These are basic requirements. A school that fails to meet these requirements puts learners at risk,” said Wirima.

She added that, while government values the role of private education institutions in expanding access to learning, the ministry will continue deploying education inspectors to assess and shut down schools that fall below the required standard.

“The ministry has intensified inspections across the country. Schools operating without licenses or with unqualified teaching staff will be closed,” Wirima said.

ISAMA President, Bishop Wycliffe Chimwendo, acknowledged the minister’s concerns and said the association will operate in line with the ministry’s mission to deliver quality education to all learners in Malawi.

“The conference theme resonates well with the ministry’s mission to provide education that responds to today’s challenges and equips learners with practical skills. I would like to assure you that ISAMA is committed to support both our schools and the ministry in the quest for education excellence,” he added.

Chimwendo therefore called for closer collaboration with government to review policies that may hinder the operations of private schools, particularly those serving rural populations or low-income earners.

The conference had presentations from education experts from South Africa and Zambia, who shared strategies for improving governance and internal management in schools.

Director of Rise and Shine Private School, Vincent Kambuka, said a session on corporate governance inspired him to strengthen his school’s management structures.

“A school without a board of directors or a parent-teacher association (PTA) is like a ship without direction. That stayed with me. I now plan to set up proper systems to support effective learning,” he said.

The two-day event also tackled topics such as; digital learning, inclusive education, and integrating learners with disabilities into mainstream classrooms.

The conference will enter its second day on Thursday with a general meeting and elections to choose a new president of ISAMA.