SCHOOL, KCPE, AND KCSE EXAMS ARE OVERRATED, RAILA ODINGA, WILSON SOSSION CONFIRM
Concerned education stakeholders have now come out strongly to warn the Ministry of Education against making rash decisions that may put the lives of Kenyan learners and teachers at risk.
Yesterday, KNUT Secretary General Mr. Wilson Sossion made it clear that KCPE and KCPE are no tickets to heaven.
Although some of us may find the statement rude and unrealistic especially in the Kenyan context whereby the future of our children is pegged on national exams; Mr. Sossion may have a point or two.
Therefore, it is high time the Ministry started paying attention.
Schools reopening date for KCSE and KCPE candidates
One of the most ridiculous ideas proposed by some stakeholders is reopening schools for KCSE and KCPE candidates by mid- June.
Although the idea seems practical, it will serve as a reminder that KCPE and KCSE national tests are tickets to heaven as Sossion put it.
What is the point of opening schools for finalists only? If we reopened school for candidates, what will happen to the rest of the learners? besides, where will we take those candidates afterward?
Remember the definition of education. Education is a systematic process through which learners acquire knowledge, skills and values. My focus is on the word systematic. There is no way we can have part of a system working…
We cannot experiment with the lives of our learners and teachers. We should start experimenting with other social places such as bars and churches.
Postpone KCSE and KCPE exams
While addressing a press conference at the Kenya Human Rights Commission Offices at Lavington; Mr. Sossion said the Government should first flatten the covid-19 curve before thinking of reopening schools.
“We would rather have all our children staying at home, safe and alive, and repeating a year rather than sending them to school to die. The world will not come to an end if we suspend certain matters,” said Sossion.
He also added that postponing the national exams will give ample time for syllabus coverage before candidates sit for these exams.
“The national exams, KCPE, and KCSE are not a ticket to heaven. They can be postponed to a suitable time when the syllabus shall have been covered and the covid 19 curve is flattened. Nobody in this country should gamble with the lives of learners and teachers. For now, open bars and test social distancing. KCPE and KCSE are not a ticket to heaven,” said Mr. Sossion.
Sossion’s views come barely a day after ODM leader Raila Odinga noted that schools should not be reopened on the basis of national exams.
“I don’t support that schools should be reopened just because of exams. Between exams and life what is more important?”
“Schools can be opened after a year and the current classes be rewound, what is the rush for? Where are they planning to take those candidates?” asked Raila.
