Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of secondary school students in the Zomba District during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilized interviews, focus group discussions, and desk research especially information taken from the internet as data collection methods. The research was conducted in Zomba Urban, encompassing three secondary schools, comprising a day school and two boarding schools, with open-ended questions facilitating comprehensive responses. The researcher managed to conduct nine interviews and three focus group discussions consisting of ten students each, from the three respective secondary schools. The key findings underscore the pervasive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of students' lives, notably affecting their mental health. The key findings encompass that, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social aspect and the mental health of the participants as well as the delivery of instruction in the respective schools. Furthermore, the disruption of the learning process ensued, necessitating the implementation of measures to ensure educational continuity. Despite efforts by teachers and head teachers to provide counselling on Covid-19-related issues, the study revealed suboptimal outcomes, as many students absorbed negative beliefs from their parents. Notably, the absence of online learning in schools was attributed to both the prevailing national circumstances and the country's socio-economic challenges. Limited access to the internet, exacerbated by the absence of smartphones among students, precluded effective online learning. The present educational sector faced a crisis like COVID-19 with little or no knowledge at all, therefore the study seeks to impart knowledge to the future generations on the measures to follow and policies to put in place when any crisis like COVID-19 arises. The study emphasizes the need for substantial investment from the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders during pandemics like COVID-19 to addresS challenges faced by schools. Recommendations include strategic initiatives to enhance technological access for students and comprehensive support systems to mitigate the adverse effects on learning and well- being.

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School	: School of Education
Issued Date	: 2024

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