CS MAGOHA PONDERS OVER DELAYED REOPENING OF CROWDED SCHOOLS; EDUCATION NEWS

CS MAGOHA PONDERS OVER DELAYED REOPENING OF CROWDED SCHOOLS; EDUCATION NEWS

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Education CS Professor George Magoha has provided a clue pointing towards a possible delay in the reopening of schools with high enrolments to avoid overcrowding when schools reopen in September.

Speaking at Kakamega Primary on Sunday, the CS said he was confident that some preparations were being made to curb the spread of the coronavirus when the Government decides to reopen schools.

KCPE AND KCSE EXAM DATES

When asked about the date for this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, KCSE, and Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, KCPE; the CS said that the Ministry was still consulting about the matter.

So far, no specific date has been given by the education ministry after the 2020 KCPE and KCSE national exam timetables were disrupted following the sudden shut-down of schools.

FREE MASKS AND SANITIZERS FOR LEARNERS

One of the strategies being put in place by the Government to curb the spread of the covid-19 among learners once schools reopen is the provision of hand sanitizers and two washable face masks to each learner.

The CS appealed to school management boards and other well-wishers to back up government efforts to create a haven for learning once schools resume.

CS Magoha also said that the Government is planning to engage Kenyans in giving their opinions regarding schools’ reopening in the next few weeks.

“We are having consultations with all stakeholders and in the coming weeks we will have a public participation process before a final decision is made after the ministry of health has advised the government on whether it is safe to reopen schools,” Said Magoha.

LEVEL OF PREPAREDNESS

The CS is currently inspecting schools ahead of the proposed September schools’ reopening date to assess their level of preparedness in case learning resumes. From the response he gave, the CS is so far impressed with the progress that some schools have made in as far as maintaining social distancing and sanitization are concerned.

Members in several counties have helped schools procure water tanks to ensure the availability of water for learners to wash their hands regularly.

“I am currently visiting schools to inspect the preparedness in accepting learners when a decision is made to reopen the institutions and I am very pleased with the progress, including the provision of water and expansion of classes to avoid overcrowding in classes, “he added.

However, some schools in Teso North and Teso South are yet to meet the minimum standards. The CS, therefore, appealed to MPs in the areas to follow suit and provide enough water tanks in schools for learners.

“They need to provide enough water supply for regular washing of hands,” said the CS.

REOPENING OF SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER

Despite the efforts being made by the government and other education stakeholders in preparation for the reopening of schools in September, a survey by Infotrak shows that the majority of Kenyans are strongly opposed to the reopening of schools in September.

According to data released by the survey yesterday, 70 percent of Kenyans are against the reopening of learning institutions fearing a possible spike in virus infections among children.

59 per cent however support the reopening of churches and other places of worship.