The Education Ministry said classes in schools should start from 9.15 in the morning.

Education Minister Filipe Bole said this following the change in school times which comes into effect from today.

Bole had last week confirmed that school will now open at 9am instead of 8am because children and parents have to prepare for school during the dark hours in the morning, especially for those in the interior.

According to Bole, another reason for the change in school times was the fact that students were at risk as they travel to school under near dark conditions.

However, according to the Ministry it depends on the school Principals and head teachers to decide on what time classes will start, as schools have their morning activities planned daily such as school assemblies.

School heads and management have also been requested to advise bus companies and parents about the change in the school timetable.