A qualitative study to explore the immediate effects of cyclone Freddy on vulnerable learners education in Malawi

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and identify effects of Cyclone Freddy on vulnerable learners in the flood prone areas both at primary and secondary school levels. Methodology: This study used a qualitative study method, which depended on mostly secondary data, using online interviews, reviews of online news articles, social media postings and United Nations reports and observations. Data was collected from the most affected areas of Blantyre Urban, Phalombe, Mulanje, Nsanje and Chikwawa districts. Purposive and convenience sampling was applied to the education institutions to get a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The study also targeted teachers, parents, and students of the affected schools in the districts. The tools for collecting data were questionnaires using face to face interviews, focus group interviews which mostly included observations. Information was coded and participants in this study were assured of for anonymity and confidentiality. Results: The results of the research provide a better understanding of the impacts of cyclones on education systems and possibly give pointers in terms of preparedness of education systems to cope with disasters of the same magnitude in future. Additionally, due to lack of rapid response on Psycho Social First Aid (PFA), a lot of the victims succumbed to trauma and depression. This made the go back to school campaign very difficult especially for the most vulnerable communities. Contribution to theory and practices and policy: The research findings validates the theory of disaster preparedness that exhaust all areas of rapid response as a recovery strategy, such as evacuation, supply of immediate basic needs in the areas of shelter, food, beddings and psycho-social support especially (PFA). The Government (DODMA) through Ministry of Education and other line Ministries, the donor communities and implementing partners should embark on harmonizing efforts for disaster preparedness and recovery strategies to speed up operations. Watt, (2019), suggests that, while it is a requirement to take pro-active measures to put in place realistic strategies for future natural disasters, education should also be taken as a priority in the recovery strategies.