By Pemphero Malimba:
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has issued guidelines as the country is experiencing hot weather conditions.
MoEST has offered directions on the heat wave issue through a press statement signed by its secretary Ken Ndala.
The statement, dated October 21, 2026, has been published on the ministry’s Facebook page.
Among other things, the ministry is urging schools to adjust timetables, relax uniform requirements and, where necessary, adopt flexible learning to protect learners and students from the heat wave.
“Suspend or reschedule sports, assemblies, parades and manual work between 10:00 and 15:00 hours. Ensure continuous access to safe water and encourage regular hydration,” Ndala says.
He also asks schools to keep classrooms cool and ventilated, use shades and reduce overcrowding.
“Monitor young children, people with albinism, pregnant staff, persons with chronic conditions, and learners with disabilities. Teachers should watch for dizziness, weakness, headaches, confusion or fainting,” he says.
Ndala further asks schools to permit the dressing of lightweight clothing, hats and other sun protection measures.
“Serious heat-related illnesses, water shortages or unsafe learning conditions must be reported immediately to district education offices and health facilities,” the secretary says.
He has also urged people to be drinking safe water throughout the day to stay hydrated, stay in cool places, and avoid strenuous activity in direct sunlight.
translate into timely action
Ndala indicates that the measures are based on an official heat wave warning issued by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS).
However, Civil Society Education Coalition Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe has faulted the ministry for poor timing.
“The heatwave warning covers 18 to 23 October, yet the ministry issued its directive on 21 October. Effective preparedness should be proactive rather than reactive.
“Early warnings must translate into timely preventive action before learners are exposed to avoidable risks,” Kondowe said.
The DCCMS weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday this week showed that the heat wave would persist across most parts of the country.
The department said this was due to the continued influence of the warm easterly air mass over Malawi.
Some parts of the country were expected to hit as far as 42 degrees Celsius.