January 5, 2018

To All Parents, Students, Faculty & Staff:

UPDATE ON ZAMBIA GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE TO POSTPONE THE OPENING OF ALL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

THE re-opening of schools countrywide has been deferred until further notice.

On Wednesday, January 30, 2018 the Ministries of Health and Education issued a joint press statement that was read by the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chilufya and I quote in part:

As part of the escalation of the response, I did issue Statutory Instrument N0. 79 of 2017 which evoked certain provisions of the Public Health Act to ensure that we spread of the outbreak and also prevent loss of life. This has also escalated the multi-sectorial response and in line with the presidential directive, we are strengthening our inter-sectorial collaboration. Today, we are discussing a key subject that is, the re-opening of schools at primary, secondary and tertiary level. So, we gather here today to make an announcement that the re-opening of schools at primary to tertiary level is being deferred countrywide country wide in order for us to monitor the evolution of the epidemic and we will review this decision on January 30, 2018.

He said deferring the re-opening of the schools countrywide was to avoid many gatherings in various educational facilities.

Remember that there are children who are coming from areas which we are describing as the epicentres of the epidemic and they will be mixing with children from other areas. There may be cross contamination and that may escalate the epidemic. There are also children that will be coming from the epicentres in Lusaka who may need to travel to boarding schools outside Lusaka to various parts of the country. So, we will suddenly be having a possibility of carriers and this disease will spread in various parts of the country and will spiral out of control, Dr Chilufya said.

In line with the Statutory Instrument, we are restricting this particular movement. We do not want school children to move outside the epicentres to various schools where they will co-mingle with other children. Or move out of Lusaka to other parts of the country so that we start fire fighting in different parts of the country. So, this is an important measure and will apply to all schools nationally and we will be able to review this decision by January 30, 2018. This period will allow us to work with the authorities in the schools to look at water and sanitation facilities, correct them where need be and so there is a task force that is working to ensure that water facilities, sanitation facilities in the schools is in good shape.

OFFICIAL RESPONSE BY CABU ADMINISTRATION

This morning I met with the administrative team of Central Africa Baptist University to discuss how CABU will comply with this directive. The following is official notification to all parents, students, faculty and staff:

In compliance with the Government directive regarding the opening of schools, CABU will not reopen until the Government has lifted the ban. An announcement from government is scheduled for January 30, 2018.

This postponement of opening has the following implications:

  • Returning Third-Year Education students are not to report on January 5, 2018 but follow the timeline listed below.
  • The Masters of Ministry class scheduled to begin Tuesday, January 9, 2018, has been postponed. The Academic office will communicate a new date for the commencement of this class.
  • Bible Students should not report to campus as previously scheduled on January 23, 2018.
  • The Continuing Education Block Class on 1&2 Thessalonians scheduled for January 29 – February 2 has been cancelled. The next block class will be as scheduled in July.

Should the ban be lifted on or before January 30th, CABU students should plan to report to campus on Thursday, February 1, 2018.

The new adjusted schedule applies to all students and is as follows:

  • February 1, 2018 – Students report
  • February 2-3, 2018 – Student Orientation and Registration for classes
  • February 5, 2018 – Classes begin

Should the ban on reopening be extended past January 30th CABU will provide further information at an appropriate time.

If you have further questions please contact the office on +260 97 7415011.

 

Sincerely,

Philip S. Hunt, President

Central Africa Baptist University