He says schools such as Mpiri Roman Catholic Primary School remain closed owing to the misunderstanding.

"Majority of school-going children in Machinga are at home despite the school being open now. This is happening due to a standoff between Christian and Muslim-run education institutions over dressing code," said Kawinga.

The chief fears for the worse among school-going children especially girls if the issue remains unresolved.

Deputy Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima says the ministry is currently waiting for a report from the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) who are handling the matter.

When contacted, PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga says consultations on the matter are almost done.

"PAC has almost completed consultants on the impasse, at the moment we are waiting for the task force which was instituted to come up with recommendations and share with Ministry of education on way forward," said Bishop Matonga.

At the moment Mpiri Primary School owned by the Roman Catholic Church is completely closed in Machinga District.

School authorities and Muslim communities there continue to disagree on the wearing of Hijab at the Catholic institution.