By Wasike Elvis
A report has shown that 17 percent of male adolescent cannot read nor comprehend Grade Four texts in schools.
Speaking during the launch of the report, Zizi Afrique Uasin Gishu County coordinator Joshua Kemboi said the report showed that 17 percent of male and 13 percent of female pupils could not read grade four texts.
“The report shows about 15 percent of the adolescents that is 17 percent males and 13 percent females were completely unable to read an English text. 37 percent of the adolescents responded correctly to all three comprehension questions from the text provided,” he said.
He further noted that the report showed that only five percent of adolescents are proficient in problem-solving.
“Most (55 percent) of adolescents can recognize the existence of a problem from one perspective and act on that to identify a possible solution. They are, however, unable to identify multiple approaches to solving a problem,” Kemboi said.
The report further shows a disparity between those in urban and rural areas on the ability to express high respect for others; Wajir County leads with 18.8 percent of teenagers who can express respect to others while Bungoma County recorded 1.9 percent, thus having the highest number of adolescents without regards to respect for others. Uasin Gishu County recorded 4.4 percent and Nairobi 4.2 percent respectively.
The report also shows that 95 percent of adolescent teenagers do not have the required problem solving skills and only 5 percent are able to recognize the existence of a problem and identify a possible solution.
He noted that only 9 percent of adolescents are proficient in self-awareness.
“Most adolescents can regulate their emotions (70 percent) but remain unaware of the multiple ways in which others might perceive and react to situations,” the Zizi Afrique Uasin Gishu Director said.
The report also recorded that six percent of adolescents express high respect for others.
“52 percent of adolescents are able to interpret bad behavior as a lack of respect for others and may take conciliatory steps to resolve situations. However, they may be unable to act respectfully in defense of others and self,” Kemboi noted.
He said one in ten percent of adolescents are proficient in collaboration.
“47 percent of adolescents collaborate through speaking, being attentive in the discussion, and engaging actively in performance tasks but are unable to take a position, contribute ideas and prompt others,” he noted.
The report also shows that 50 percent of the adolescents can get on to the internet with ease.
“27 percent of the adolescents could not use the technology at all while 23 percent could do so with difficulty. 31 percent of the adolescents are regular users of computers while 44 percent are regular users of feature phones,” he said.
