In a bid to revamp sports in schools, the Ministry of Education has ordered schools to hold sporting activities at least once a week in addition to having a sports day each term.

The ministry announced the directive in a circular issued yesterday signed by Secretary for Education Chikondano Mussa and addressed to primary and secondary school head teachers.

Mussa: We are serious

Reads the statement in part: “Sporting activities are an integral part of school activities. Among other things, sports teaches pupils life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, accountability, patience, resilience and stress management.

“It prevents learners from engaging in delinquent acts; provides opportunity for them to develop positive relationships with peers and teachers; provides opportunities for growth and development and creates a more conducive environment for teaching and learning processes. We would like to encourage all head teachers to ensure that sports are given prominence.”

The ministry has also asked the school head teachers to encourage learners to do traditional sporting activities.

“Let us also encourage our learners to do traditional sporting activities, such as bawo, jumping rope, sack race, race-walking, among others. All head teachers should adhere to the content of this circular,” further reads the statement.

Malawi Schools Sports Association president Blackson Malamula has welcomed the development, confirming that many schools were not treating sports as a priority.

“Some schools were resisting to carryout sports activities. With the directive, the situation will improve. We commend the ministry for issuing the directive,” he said.

Independent Schools Association of Malawi president Wycliffe Chimwendo has since called upon private schools to adhere to the ministry’s directive, saying sports is good for health.

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