Host Junior Secondary Schools In Day Secondary Schools
The recent exposé by the Daily Nation, revealing the deplorable conditions of public junior school (JS) classes housed within government primary schools, is indeed a cause for concern. With the upcoming transition of a new class in January, the situation may deteriorate further.
One of the most pressing issues afflicting JS is the lack of proper infrastructure. Many primary schools are in a state of disrepair and lack the capacity to support the practical-heavy Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to achieve its intended objectives. As a result, the quality of education provided in these schools is severely compromised.
Another major challenge is the acute shortage of teachers in JS. The few available teachers are burdened with unreasonably heavy workloads and often find themselves teaching subjects they are not adequately trained for. The glaring disparity between their remuneration and the significant workload is demotivating and discriminatory.
Teacher interns have expressed their dissatisfaction, feeling shortchanged and excluded as they are unable to apply for permanent and pensionable positions, as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) tends to favor non-interned fresh graduates. This frustration not only affects teachers but also trickles down to their students. Reports of strained relationships between intern teachers and head teachers in primary schools only compound the issue.
The implementation of CBC in junior schools is further hindered by the unsuitable environment within public primary schools. It is crucial for the government to acknowledge that housing JS within the primary section was a mistake that requires rectification.
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Relocating these schools to the nearest day secondary school would expose students to more resources, ultimately saving government resources that can be redirected toward improving curriculum delivery. The availability of specialist teachers, laboratories, and classrooms would avert a potential educational crisis.
In cases where there are no nearby day secondary schools, the government should consider establishing standalone junior schools, adequately staffed and independently managed to ensure a conducive learning environment.
Host Junior Secondary Schools In Day Secondary Schools
