Former Migori Woman Representative Dr. Pamela Odhiambo has urged stakeholders to place the welfare of learners at the centre of education management.
Speaking during the launch of the Ksh72 million M-Pesa Foundation-funded infrastructure project at Wasio Primary School, Dr. Odhiambo said recent tragedies in schools should serve as a wake-up call for parents, teachers and government agencies.
“We are currently mourning with our fellow parents who lost their children at Utumishi Girls due to a fire outbreak. Such incidents remind us that the safety of our children must remain our highest priority,” she said.
The former legislator noted that while significant investments continue to be made in improving access to quality education, such efforts can only bear fruit if learners are protected from insecurity and preventable disasters.
ALSO READ:
According to Dr. Odhiambo, tensions involving Boards of Management, Parents Teachers Associations, teachers and students sometimes create unhealthy school environments that can contribute to unrest and insecurity.
She challenged communities to take collective responsibility in safeguarding schools and protecting children.
“Wasio community members, whether your child is in this school or not, kindly help us keep these children safe. The same responsibility extends to parents and communities around all schools,” she said.
Dr. Odhiambo further called on the national government to strengthen policies governing school safety, especially in boarding institutions where students spend most of their time away from home.
While praising the M-Pesa Foundation for investing in educational infrastructure, she said modern learning facilities could help bridge the gap between rural schools and top-performing institutions in the country.
“When I was serving as the Woman Representative, a student from Suna East tragically took her own life after failing to attain the marks required to join Alliance Girls High School. I have long desired to see our schools reach the same standards as Alliance so that our children can achieve their dreams without feeling disadvantaged,” she said.
ALSO READ:
Autopsy reveals internal bleeding killed KMTC student allegedly thrown from moving matatu
She expressed optimism that the new infrastructure project at Wasio Primary School would inspire learners to excel academically and pursue their ambitions.
Dr. Odhiambo also used the occasion to call for tolerance and peaceful engagement in politics, warning against growing incidents of hostility involving youths and women during political activities.
“Leaders should focus on presenting their development agendas instead of engaging in personal attacks. The leadership of Migori County must promote peace and unity even as we compete politically,” she said.
She said the county’s progress would depend on peaceful coexistence among leaders and residents, particularly as political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the next General Election.
Dr. Odhiambo maintained that both quality education and a peaceful political environment are essential ingredients for the county’s long-term development and prosperity.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
