The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has apologized for some misleading and damaging content in a Form Three Biology textbook after a public outcry.
In a statement dated August 15 signed by Chief Executive Officer Charles Ong’ondo, KICD acknowledged that concerned citizens had urged the agency to issue a public apology and review certain sections of the book, Certificate Biology for Form Three Learners, used in the 8-4-4 education system, after claims that some content was out of taste with learners.
The primary concern centres around two sentences in the textbook that were perceived to imply a connection between indecent dressing and an increased risk of rape.
“KICD has received a number of e-mails from various Kenyans expressing concerns about some content in the book,” read the statement.
The statement highlights concerns regarding the content under the sub-topic “Prevention of AIDS.” In this section, the author outlines various methods to prevent HIV/AIDS infection.
The challenged content on page 170 of the book suggests “Modest dress code and behavior to avoid provoking or tempting other persons into sexual arousal” as one way of preventing HIV infection, going further to explain that “Many rape cases are due to such provocations. One should also avoid being alone with a person of the opposite sex in secluded areas to prevent losing one’s control”.
The statement indicates that KICD has recognized the possibility that the sentences might be seen as implying that indecent dressing is the primary cause of rape and could also be interpreted as “victim blaming” in cases of rape.
“The institute acknowledges that indeed the sentences above could be interpreted to suggest that indecent dressing is the main cause of rape and may also insinuate ‘victim blaming’ in case of rape. Therefore, KICD offers an apology to readers who consider the quoted sentences in the book Certificate of Biology for Form Three to be misleading, for not detecting this during the evaluation in 2005,” said KICD in the statement.
In its statement, KICD announced that it has formed a review panel as outlined in the institute’s Materials Evaluation Criteria, consisting of curriculum development officers, quality assurance and standards officers, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders, to evaluate the book’s content within the next two weeks.
“As a way forward, KICD has constituted a Panel as stipulated in the Institute’s Materials Evaluation Criteria, comprising of curriculum development officers, quality assurance and standards officers, teachers and other relevant stakeholders to review the content of the book within two weeks,” read the statement.
The institute also stated that it will provide the publisher with guidance on necessary revisions to prevent any possible misinterpretations by learners. Additionally, schools will be notified following the review about how to properly guide students on the relevant topic.
“KICD shall issue an advisory to the publisher on what revisions to make to avoid any potential misinterpretations by the learners. The school will also be informed after the review on how to guide the learners on the relevant topic,” KICD added in the statement.
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By Frank Mugwe
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