By Enock Okong’o
Secondary school principals have been asked to be versatile in their teaching and administrative duties if they are to remain relevant to their calling.
Speaking to principals in Migori town during their 3-day retreat, Nyamira County KUPPET Executive Secretary Lewis Nyakweba said heads of institutions play a pivotal role in turning around their institutions.
He asked them to revise their management skills to be able to handle their staff harmoniously, yet not compromising their positions.
“I urge you to learn from any accommodative parent who uses the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of their children for their healthy growth, then you embrace a similar approach to master the emotional, economic and pedagogical needs of your learners, teachers and the community for the success of education,” he said.
Saying that success of any institution depends on those heading them, he asked the principals to be role models to both teachers and pupils.
During the retreat, the principals highlighted the common problems they faced in their schools.
They cited family-related intrigues experienced by teachers because of economic constraints that result from low remuneration from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
“Most teachers come to school tortured by family burdens and it becomes hard for such a teacher to deliver effectively,” judged one of the principals.
The principals mentioned other professional requirements like the TPD that they said have been a bane for most teachers.
“Some of them feel that this professional document is a duplication of what they already have and wonder why they waste time filling it,” commented another.
The educators resolved to embrace team work to uplift the education standards in the region.
Manga Sub-county KESSHA branch chairman Job Oira asked his colleagues to be mentors of both students and parents.
Commenting on the difficulties faced in school fees collection, he advised principals to accept kind settlements in the forms of foodstuff, firewood or labour services to keep their children in school.
Mr.Oira, who is the principal of Riamoni Secondary School, asked teachers to remain focused on their profession and reminded them of its nobility.
“You may not get much appreciation and satisfaction from your employer and the community, but remember God will bless you through your children,” he advised.
He promised that his team from Manga Sub-county with 32 secondary schools will work hard to produce the best results in the forth-coming KCSE examinations.
The chairman promised to work hand in hand with his three counterparts from Borabu, and Nyamira North and South for the good of education in the county.
Those from Nyamira North Sub-county had their retreat in Nakuru, Nyamira South took theirs to Kericho while Borabu and Manga went to Kisumu and Migori respectively.
The principals lauded the local education office led by Nyamira County Director of Education Boniface Ouko for their support.
