Matungulu Sub-County Director of Education Lilian Gitahi, has cautioned schools against subjecting young learners to long and exhausting days, emphasising that learning should strictly run from 6am to 6pm.
Gitahi expressed concern over reports of pre-primary learners, some as young as PP1 and PP2, being picked up by school buses as early as 4:00 am.
According to her, these long school days mentally and physically exhaust learners and may cause them to hate school.
“Seeing such young children on the road before sunrise when they should be asleep is disheartening. By the end of the day, they are completely worn out because they were forced to start their day too early, and we have already spoken to the teachers about the same,” she said.
She urged school administrators to plan their programs to allow children ample time to rest, noting that quality learning is only possible when learners are physically and mentally alert.
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In addition, the education officer called on schools to ensure safety in transportation by strictly adhering to traffic rules. She warned against overloading, speeding, and dangerous overtaking by school buses.
“Don’t interfere with the safety of the children by stuffing them in excess. When a small accident happens, it can easily become fatal,” she cautioned.
Gitahi urged all school heads to prioritise the well-being and safety of learners both within the classroom and on the road.
By Agnes Orango
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