Half term is a threat to education in Kenya

Half term is a threat to  education in Kenya

Half term is with us again. Half term has been upgraded and innovated in Kenya that nursery and primary schools also go for half term alongside secondary schools. In the late 80's,90's and 2000 only boarding schools used to have a half term. Not anymore, it is business as usual. Even kindergarten children go for half term. You will see students in all manners of uniform with bags on their back transversing Kenyan town going back to their homes. When parents pay fees there is no allowance of days in which deduction is made when students will not be in schools,may it be fees or lunch and supper. Half term means parents spending more money and this is added expenses and less shopping which the student will need before he/she leaves plus pocket and transport money back. It has come during a time when Kenyan economy is not doing well,meaning most parents are eating from hand to mouth. Way forward,to avoid this scenario let teachers,parents and board of governors, look for a way out of this quagmire. Let half term be abolished and in place turn that week into interschool debates,visits,trips,variety shows,inter house competition,motivational talks,cookery competition among others etc Nowadays students finish for 4 without even visiting the nearest industry. Some cannot sew their own clothes or even cook tea. In this half term break,parents will dig deep into their pockets to sustain the students at home and foot the students bill back to school. Notwithstanding girls and boys have been known to organise trips unknown to parents,guardian and teachers. This should be avoided. Also the parents will start being worried where their children will spend the day and the friends they will associate with especially the girls child. Girls are endangered species and it is imperative for them to be protected. With the social media favouring these student,they will not spend their time on books. When parents release these students back to school, let a check up be made on both sides that the students have arrived,this should also be made by the teachers when the students arrive back in school. This will protect students from child pedophiles,bad elements and ensure the students' well being and safety. According to the UN children act, should be protected. By the way let this half term be abolished. It does not add value to education.
By
Veronica Onjoro
Mombasa

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