The Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to activists and other stakeholders against involving learners in demonstrations.

A statement signed by its Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa, says the ministry has learnt with deep shock the circulation of pictures in the social media showing young school children carrying placards with political connotations.

Mussa said: “Although the ministry recognizes that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi allows citizens to carry out demonstrations, it has advised all parents, guardians, teachers, private school operators, activists and the general public that school children must not be used in demonstrations during school hours as this is detrimental to their education.”

She added that such acts violate children’s right to education because they disturb the teaching and learning process in schools and are not in the best interest of the children.

The Ministry has further assured that it will not hesitate to engage the appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure that the children’s right to education is not violated.