Publicité
Two students killed by falling tree
Two primary school children in Malawi died when a tree fell on them in an outdoor classroom, sparking an outcry about a lack of school facilities in the poor southern African nation, officials said yesterday. Hundreds of schools are forced to teach outside in Malawi, where three-quarters of the 10 million population live on less than $1 a day.
The tree fell on Tuesday in the capital Lilongwe, killing a 10 and an 11 year old, headmaster Austin Mkomachi told Reuters. Seven others were injured at Mkomachi Primary School, where 19 of 27 classes are outdoors due to a lack of classrooms. Each class has around 100 pupils. Malawi?s ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) launched free primary education after assuming power in 1994, but critics say funding is inadequate and education standards have fallen.
Lilongwe?s mayor and local member of parliament were heckled by a crowd when they visited the school on Tuesday, facing accusations of wasteful spending.
Some referred to President Bakili Muluzi?s recent purchase of one of Malawi?s top football clubs, which he calls Bakili Bullets.
?Instead of constructing school blocks, you are busy sponsoring football teams,? cried out one woman.
Denis MZEMBE
Publicité
Publicité
Les plus récents
