Changamwe: Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi is calling for concerted efforts among education stakeholders to ensure a 100 per cent transition in all education levels and improvement of schools’ performance in national examinations. Speaking during a consultative meeting with education stakeholders that aimed to explore ways to ensure children’s retention in schools, the legislator urged Head Teachers to support the government directive on transition by not sending children home because of fees.
According to Kenya News Agency, School Boards of Management were encouraged to evaluate alternative options to address the financial gaps in the schools. ‘I believe it is important for schools to seek alternative fundraising mechanisms such as exploring community-driven initiatives involving fundraising, alumni associations and forming partnerships to support infrastructure development and other needs in schools,’ said Mwinyi. Through the retention of children in schools, the school heads would use education to turn around their fortunes and their families, he added.
‘We want education to be the game-changer. Children from our slums have the potential to actualize their career aspirations,’ stated the Legislator. The meeting was informed by a surge of children being sent away from schools because of fees and other additional levies. ‘When we look at our society, most of them are not financially able. We must devise alternative ways of supporting our children. We should cooperate with the Boards of Management and schools to contribute as leaders to the retention of children in schools,’ he assured the stakeholders.
Head teachers were urged to improve discipline in their students, ensure they excel in their academics and cooperate with teachers to augment parents’ efforts in educating their children. ‘We know there is indiscipline but we will be able to change that if we cooperate with one goal. We don’t want to point an accusing finger at anyone. We want everyone to know that if we cooperate, we will churn out quality youths in our Changamwe society,’ said Mwinyi.
On harmonization of bursaries between County Governments and the National Government, Mwinyi said MPs have the wherewithal to administer bursaries as they already have solid systems in place to disburse bursaries. On her part, Portreitz Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Nancy Njoroge encouraged parents to advise their children to shun indecorous behaviors, and juvenile delinquency and to instead concentrate on their education. She noted that robbery with violence is rampant among young people oblivious of the long-term consequences of their actions. ‘There is a need to educate the children on the magnitude of their crimes lest they ruin their future,’ urged the ACC.
John Mbadi, a parent, said the surge in crimes was a result of children joining gangs and parents neglecting their responsibilities and not being concerned about their children’s whereabouts. ‘Late at night, a child is still with the gang. Some of them after school in the evening are recruited by other people to work, they can’t do school assignments,’ said Mbadi. ‘They spend most of their time chewing khat as they look for targets to attack. This has been a nuisance in Changawe which must be addressed,’ he added. He also called for control and cancelling of the proliferation of pool tables in residential areas as they are used as hideouts by children.
Michael Nato, a parent, called for collaboration to address teacher shortage, absenteeism and also sensitization on mental health.