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Activists Propose for Waiver on Dress Code for Male Learners

Chimala says the issue is under discussion Chimala says the issue is under discussion - file photo

Child and education rights activists have called for a waiver on dressing of public primary school boys to allow them put on trousers and long sleeve shirts during cold weather as is the case now.

Child rights activist Jennifer Mkandawire says it is high time public primary school boys be allowed to be putting on trousers and long sleeve shirts during cold weather.

“Health wise, cold weather exposes children to different diseases and Government has absolute duty of protecting the school going boys by allowing them put on trousers and long sleeve shirts during cold weather,” said Mkandawire.

Another child rights activist Amos Chibwana is of the view that this should be a policy which has to be adopted.

“We have been told time and again of weather adaptation and we have to consider the plight of children by moving away from the old policy of restricting primary school boys to put on shorts and short sleeve shirts,” said Chibwana.

Chibwana was however quick to say that it should be an option.

Learners should be allowed to put either shorts or long trousers and long or short sleeve shirts.

On his part Dr. Steve Sharra, the education rights activist said the suggestion to loosen dressing code is long overdue and he said if considered it will help children learn in a conducive atmosphere.

“Government should modify the uniform so that they allow trousers and long shirts for the boys and leggings for girls. This not only a human or child rights issue but giving the learners a conducive learning atmosphere,” said Sharra.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education Chikondi Chimala said the matter is under discussion at the ministry and he said soon the ministry will issue a guidance to the schools.

While boys in public primary schools are restricted on dressing code, their counterparts in private schools are enjoying putting on trousers and long sleeve shirts.

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