KUPPET’s School Reopening Viewpoint .
KUPPET’s School Reopening Viewpoint . KUPPET’s Stand Against Delayed School Reopening.
Introduction:
Amidst concerns over the prolonged closure of schools, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is raising alarms . The alarm is about its potential long-term consequences on the nation’s education system.
Delay of School Reopening:
President William Ruto’s recent directive to postpone the reopening of schools. School were originally scheduled for May 6, 2024. But due to adverse weather conditions, has drawn sharp criticism from KUPPET.
Criticism from KUPPET:
Moffats Okisai, Executive Secretary of KUPPET Busia, has strongly condemned the decision to extend the school holiday, citing its untimely nature amidst the education sector’s efforts to recover from the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Impact of Pandemic:
Okisai highlighted the significant impact of the pandemic on the academic calendar and student-teacher interactions, resulting in reduced learning hours while the syllabus and workloads remained unchanged.
Concerns Raised:
Questioning the timing of directives from Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Okisai emphasized the need for updates on flooded schools and corresponding mitigation efforts, similar to those provided during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Challenges Ahead:
Expressing concerns about the potential challenges teachers will face upon schools reopening, Okisai warned that prolonged closures could result in a generation of learners lacking essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes, ultimately compromising the quality of education.
Future Ramifications:
Speculating on the future consequences of the Education CS’s decisions, Okisai suggested that they could have far-reaching effects across various sectors, including aviation, justice, engineering, economics, healthcare, and leadership.
Call to Action:
Quoting Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless observation that time waits for no one, Okisai stressed the urgency of implementing mitigation measures to address the current situation and prevent further loss of students’ time and educational opportunities. But as KUPPET reviews the school reopening postponement, it should be informed that life and safety of students comes first.
