Malawians back education ministry

Malawians have saluted Malawi Government for opening up into dialogue in order to find lasting solution into problems locking the country.

In a random interview done in Lilongwe, scores of Malawians interviewed commended Government for opening up for dialogue.

Hastings Phiri, a reknown Lilongwe based businessman said he welcomes decision from the executive to open up for dialogue with members of the Civil society.

Dorothy Banda of a business lady from Chinsapo said the dialogue will help to find lasting solutions for the country’s problems.

Speaking during a high level dialogue where seven senior cabinet ministers were in attendance, former executive director of Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation(CHRR), Undule Mwakasungula criticised Civil Society Leaders for their failure to attend the dialogue, describing it as a missed opportunity.

“This is our country and no one can solve problems locking this nation.The CSOs have missed great opportunity indeed, they were supposed to be here sharing notes with the Government ministers,” Said Mwakasungula.

Edward Chileka Banda, who is executive director of SOTU commended Government for initiating dialogue saying its time that citizens should also be given chance to take part in solving problems locking the country.

Chief Economic advisor to the President, Dr Collins Magalasi in his opening remarks said the Government had extended invitation to signatories of October 14 Petition but they failed to show up citing shot notice.

Magalasi said the CSOs have missed a great opportunity because they could have been able to have answers from the relevant Ministers instantly.

During the dialogue, minister of Eduaction, Dr Emmanuel Fabiano took time addressing concerns which CsOs raised regarding introduction of exorbitant fees to fund education sector.

Fabiano said there was need to explore other ways of raising more money from Malawians for education sector.

During the high level dialogue, Seven Ministers were present and these were; Minister of lands Atupele Muluzi, Minister of Information Jappie Mhango, Minister of education Dr Emmanuel Fabiano, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr George Chaponda, Minister of Justice Samuel Tembenu, Minister of Health Dr Peter Kampalume and Minister of finance Dr Goodall Gondwe.

Fabiano wandered on why CSOs are complaining about the fees now without bringing alternative means of raising funds to run the education sector.

“The Government is very receptive to constructive criticism especially when realistic alternatives are proposed for education.” Said Fabiano.

Fabiano said the Ministry of education science and technology is open to discussion and shall continue to engage with all Malawians at different fora because the government knows, understands and accepts that its part of democratic governance.