By Norah Musega
museganorah@gmail.com
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has challenged Kenyans to tolerate each another’s political affiliations during the electioneering period so as to ensure the academic calendar is not disrupted.
Oyuu noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had already disrupted the previous year’s academic calendar and an eruption of chaos would squeeze the current calendar even further.
“We do not want to go back to the 2007/8 situation which saw our children remain at home even when it was time to be in school for their studies. We have to ensure this country is able to forge ahead peacefully after elections so that the education calendar reverts to normalcy by January 2023 as per the Ministry of Education’s guidelines,” said Oyuu.
Elsewhere, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Migori Branch Executive Secretary, Samwel Orwa Jasolo also called for tolerance from the electorate despite the general elections outcome.
“Voting is only a one-day exercise and we hope it will be a smooth exercise. We hope the Ministry of Interior is ready to deal with any eventuality to ensure that the education calendar continues as planned,” said Jasolo.
Furthermore, he called on parents to take note of their children’s’ whereabouts for their safety and to avoid getting involved in the political shenanigans.
He also challenged learners to stay focused on their studies reminding them that the 2022 academic calendar was squeezed and they need to use the additional time to their advantage.
The sentiments were equally shared by the National Parents Association Migori Branch Chair Peter Odondi Giyo who also called on parents to ensure their children are kept busy.
“Let us keep on reminding our children that they are still students and should keep off campaign areas and stick to their studies,” said Giyo.
However, he pleaded with school administrators to allow learners back to school even without school fees so as to give parents adequate space and time to source for the same
He added that parents have not had an easy time to earn enough and therefore the principals need to reach an agreement with parents on a payment model to keep learners in school.
“I want to urge school administrators to stop viewing the ten day holiday as a reason to deny entry for children who report back to school without school fees. It is the responsibility of parents to source for funds to pay the fees and therefore learners should not be denied their right to education.” he concluded.
