By Amoto Dennis
The Ministry of Education has set aside Sh1.9 billion for the supply of locally assembled furniture to public primary and secondary schools ahead of reopening.
Sh1 billion of the Sh1.9 billion will be used to make lockers and chairs for public secondary schools, while the remaining Sh900 million will be used to make desks for primary schools.
Speaking at Pwani University in Kilifi, Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha said the Ministry has developed a sample of the required desk.
The desks will be made in a unique way as opposed to the ones used in schools. Each student will have a personal desk that has space to hold books and a large writing service.
Prof Magoha, however, directed the County Directors of Education to ensure the desks are made and delivered to institutions by October 19.
Each of the selected primary schools will receive 70 desks, while secondary schools will get 50 lockers and chairs.
CS Magoha further bashed the press for creating confusion on the possible reopening of schools, the CS said the date remains January 2021 but clarified that it is subject to the prevailing circumstances.
“The government’s position on the reopening of middle level colleges and universities has not changed yet,” said Magoha.
The CS, however, added that schools reopening dates solely depends on the Covid-19 infection curve and the preparedness of institutions.
‘’Learning will resume when the Covid -19 infection drops to 5% and remains so for at least 14 days,’’ said Magoha.
Prof Magoha angrily accused the press for portraying him as an indecisive person.
‘’The media has been misinterpreting my statements over resumption of learning and portraying me as a fool in the public eyes,’’ complained Magoha.
Prof Magioha, however, revealed that the government is set to hire 10,000 tutors to relief the burden of extra classes. He added that the government is expected to release Sh15.4 billion to help public schools make the necessary preparations.
Even as we wait for schools to open, the government must get to the ground to understand the plight of learners and desperation written on parents faces. There so many teachers willing to volunteer to assist children, high school and even college students. It’s the high time that CBC became effective. Schools are not the only places that children can learn. A lot can be done at home. It’s real and it’s happening. No more waiting!
Why is the CS not telling us there is no money to prepare schools for reopening. Where are the classes?You have looked for data. You are now talking about desks while dodging main infrastructure that will help schools. Hapana. We need able leaders who truly love our children. Hampendi watoto.meacheza na elimu.Yenu ni maneno maneno tu ambayo hayana mwelekeo au maana. Huo ni uongozi wa unafiki na mbaya. Afadhali tuseme. Twangoja gonjwa hili la kirusi 19 liishe kwa majaliwa ya mungu,kisha turudi kwenye viota shule tuchape kazi.Nchi ya mwafrika.maneno tupu.vitendo ni giza jameni.mtuombee.