Education Ministry Tightens School Trip Vehicle Safety Guidelines
This directive underscores the ministry's commitment to prioritizing student safety during school-related activities and transportation.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Ministry of Education has issued a stern reminder to education officials to strictly adhere to guidelines on vehicles used for school-related trips, emphasizing student safety, writes Royal Kasiya.
In a statement released on Sept. 23, 2024, the ministry urged Education Division Managers (EDMs) and Directors of Education and Sports (DESs) to ensure full compliance with the policy.
"All school trips involving learners must utilize certified minibuses or large buses inspected and approved by the Directorate of Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) or the Plant and Vehicle Hire Organization (PVHO) to guarantee maximum safety," said Mangani Katundu, secretary for education.
The ministry expressed concern over the continued use of open vehicles and other non-compliant vehicles for transporting students.
Katundu noted that some students have been transported in unsafe vehicles such as vans, Toyota Sientas, and Honda Freeds.
Officials have been instructed to enforce guidelines ensuring only safety-inspected vehicles are used.
School administrators are urged to conduct regular checks on vehicle conditions and driver qualifications.
"Education division managers and directors of education and sports must ensure that the number of students in the vehicle must not exceed the vehicle's capacity," Katundu added.
The ministry stressed the need for police and road traffic authorities to confirm vehicle roadworthiness and driver's license validity before trips begin.
This directive underscores the ministry's commitment to prioritizing student safety during school-related activities and transportation.