TSC registers 224,494 teachers for community learning programme
Children attend a lesson during a community-based learning initiative.
What you need to know:
- The number is 67 per cent of the 337,432 teachers the commission has employed.
- The remaining 112, 938 teachers are expected to register by tomorrow.
- However, poor coordination and communication threaten to stall the project even before it takes off.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has registered 224,494 tutors in readiness for community-based learning that the government hopes will keep students busy as schools remain closed.
The number is 67 per cent of the 337,432 teachers the commission has employed.
The remaining 112, 938 teachers are expected to register by tomorrow.
However, poor coordination and communication threaten to stall the project even before it takes off.
Teachers, government administrators and health officials have decried lack of clear directions on how to execute the plan.
Little has been done to reassure Kenyans of the safety of their children despite many expressing fears.
Programme guidelines
The Kenya National Parents Association has begun working on guidelines in implementing the programme.
Association chairman Nicholas Maiyo said the guidelines for parents are expected to be ready next week.
“Nyumba Kumi officials should be responsible for the safety of children,” Mr Maiyo said Wednesday.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers support the idea but Kuppet opposed calls by teachers for a risk allowance.
“It is our duty to give back to the society during such times. Our employer continues paying salaries even when schools are shut,” Kuppet Secretary-General Akello Misori told the Nation by phone.
He said the confusion surrounding the programme was due to lack of proper debriefing.
The scheme will be run by the Education Ministry and the TSC with support from Health and Interior ministries.
Teachers to be briefed
TSC communications head Betty Wababu said teachers would be briefed on the plan once registration is over. She said learners would be taught life skills. Some parents support the move but others say their children might be exposed to coronavirus.
“Education CS George Magoha has been inspecting universities. Why is he now saying children in primary and secondary school should meet in villages without ascertaining adherence to health protocols?” Mr Stephen Mwangi from Embu County asked.
The government has also set aside cash for amenities like hand washing points, soap, sanitiser or face masks.
TSC has recommended class sizes of 15 or below.
Reported by David Muchunguh, Faith Nyamai, George Odiwuor, Benson Amadala, Derick Luvega, Tom Matoke, Evans Kipkura, Barnabas Bii, Flora Koech, Gerald Bwisa, Brian Ojamaa, Sammy Lutta, Lucy Mkanyika, Fadhili Fredrick, Maureen Ongala, Kalume Kazungu, Alex Njeru, Gitonga Marete and Manase Otsialo.
