In summary:
Both parents and pupils of Precious Top Talents Academy are yet to come to terms with the shut -down of their favourite institution.
Their faith in their school is built on a solid rock and nothing can keep them away, not even imminent death.
They, therefore, camp outside the collapsed school waiting to see whether the school will be re-opened despite Professor Magoha’s directive to have their kids transferred to other neighbouring schools.
UNWAVERING FAITH
Parents and pupils of Precious Top Talents Academy in Nairobi are yet to believe that their beloved institution is no more.
Consequently, they camp outside the ruins of the collapsed building as they await word from the Ministry of Education regarding the re-opening of the school.
This is in spite of the numerous injuries incurred by the children and the trauma that those who witnessed the tragedy must be going through.
One of the standard eight pupils confessed that although she narrowly escaped death, her ardent desire is to remain and hold on to her favourite institution- Precious Top Talents.
She prefers remaining in the institution to being transferred to other institutions.
Kerubo, the pupil is not alone.
Many parents say that they want their children to continue schooling at the school even though the school building collapsed, killing eight children.
One week after the tragedy, the visitors are served with heavily guarded wooden doors.
The pupils’ belonging, mostly bags lay haphazardly on desks inside the heavily secured classrooms.
The adamant parents and their children who crowded outside the building demanded for their books and other learning materials.
AN ICON
For many residents in Ngando area, Precious Top Talents remains an icon and a resolution to their education quest.
This is due to the school’s exemplary performance, affordability and accessibility.
The school charges approximately sh 21 000 per annum.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS PHOBIA
The parents have further pointed a finger at Professor George Magoha, the CS for Education for hurriedly transferring their children to public primary schools whose performance is wanting, way below par.
For them, Ngong Forest Primary, Jamhuri and Riruta can never surpass the collapsed school in terms of performance.
They also cited the long-distance challenge since their children will be obliged to trek for almost three kilometres to their new learning stations.
The parents also expressed fear that their children are likely to be susceptible to security threats as they traverse the vast Ngong’Forest.
MAKE-SHIFT CLASSROOMS
One of the parents, Mr Nyabuto even suggested that the school should be allowed to build make-shift classrooms as they wait for a more permanent solution to the entire stalemate.
This is because the learners had a close bond, something close to covalent among themselves and with their instructors. Therefore, splitting them will greatly affect their overall performance.
Against all odds, the school is known for posting excellent academic results during national examinations. Many candidates attain over 400 out of 500 marks.
WITCH-HUNT
The parents have also cited witch-hunt on the side of the government since there are many poorly constructed schools which have not been targeted.
In response to these allegations, Professor Magoha said that the parents were being incited by politicians to remain adamant.