Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has re-opened four public secondary schools that were closed due to torching and vandalism of property by students.

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe on Friday, Susuwele-Banda said Rumphi, Lunzu, St Michaels Girls and Magawa secondary schools will re-open on January 6, 2020.

The four secondary schools were closed last year after students damaged and torched school structures following misunderstandings with their school management.

Susuwele-Banda urged parents and guardians to play their rightful role in counselling their children to refrain from vandalizing school property when there are disagreements with school management.

He said vandalising school property should be condemned in the strongest terms because it is retrogressive to the school, community and the country at large.

Susuwele-Banda also appealed to head teachers and their school management to resolve any grievances raised by students with ultimate speed to avoid issues escalating into violence and vandalism.

He also announced the opening of the newly constructed Machinga District Boarding Secondary School.

Susuwele-Banda said the Ministry has therefore selected form one and two students who are expected to report for classes on Monday the January 13, 2020.