By Kamundia Muriithi
Educational stakeholders have warned that miraa farming and sand harvesting are contributing to the declining education standards in parts of Embu County.
They said children who joined their parents in picking muguka-a type of khat grown mainly in the Mbeere region- were not able to concentrate in class.
They pointed out cases where learners, especially boys, eventually dropped out of school to fully participate in khat farming or trading.
On sand harvesting, they observed there were many cases of absenteeism as boys engaged in the activity.
Lorries carrying sand also affected learning in schools as they created a cacophony of noises and blew clouds of dust that affected concentration in classroom.
The stakeholders who included teachers, parents, school boards, government administrators and educational officials led by county Education Board chairman Dr James Kanya said they are seeking ways to ensure parents do not involve their children in the two activities.
“The two activities reflect the changing socio-economic affairs of the community. When the economy of the locals slowed down due to recurrent droughts, they have to look for ways to survive such as sand harvesting. They should not involve children in it,” he said during a forum at Siakago Girls’ to chart solutions to issues facing the sector in the county.
County Director of Education Beatrice Mwirigi warned teachers against engaging in corporal punishment and discriminating pupils on various grounds since that is outlawed by the law.
“The Basic Education Act directs that no child should be barred from accessing education by virtue of their religion, economic or social backgrounds. Education is compulsory and free,” she said.
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