Malawi primary school classes cleaned of used condoms
Mponela 2 Primary School learners in Dowa District are forced to clean up used condoms left in classrooms each morning.
Students at Mponela 2 Primary School in Malawi's Dowa District begin their day by cleaning used condoms from classrooms, a consequence of the school's lack of security and poor infrastructure. Over 3,000 learners share only two toilets, and the absence of a fence allows intruders to vandalize property and use classrooms for illicit activities at night. Marium Mira, treasurer for the Parents Teacher Association, called the situation heartbreaking.
The deputy head teacher, Dickson Muyaba, stated that the lack of a fence leaves the school exposed, creating a health and safety crisis and potentially triggering disease outbreaks due to poor sanitation. He appealed for government intervention to provide a fence and protect school property. Florence Ndovi of the Community Social Accountability Committee confirmed the council has plans to provide two classroom blocks, a teacher's house, two toilets, and a fence, but stressed the need to see the fence implemented.
Clinical psychologist Professor Chiwoza Bandawe explained that forcing children to clean up used condoms violates their dignity and can have serious psychological effects, making them feel unsafe and confused. Children's reactions vary by age and understanding, potentially leading to embarrassment, disgust, fear, or curiosity about sexual behaviour. The school has over 3,000 learners.
Why it mattersChildren in Malawi are being exposed to adult sexual activity and its remnants, compromising their dignity and sense of safety at school.