Primary School Heads to Fire BoM Teachers
New information is now surfacing regarding the intentions of primary school headteachers to terminate the employment of Board Of Management (BOM) teachers before the commencement of the first term in January.
These BOM teachers, previously referred to as PTA teachers, have played a crucial role in public schools, particularly in addressing the acute shortage of TSC teachers.
The situation has changed with the introduction of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), which has reduced the number of classes in primary schools from eight (under the 8.4.4 curriculum) to only six (Grade 1 to Grade 6). In light of this reduction in workload, primary headteachers are using this as a reason to decrease or entirely eliminate the presence of BOM teachers in their schools.
Primary School Heads to Fire BoM Teachers
Consequently, many BOM teachers may find themselves without work at their current stations when the first term of January 2024 begins. Headteachers are planning to rely on available TSC teachers, including interns, to cover all subjects from Grade 1 to 6. This change means that BOM teachers, some of whom have only completed their secondary education (with KCSE certificates), will need to seek alternative sources of income starting in January of the next year.
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Michael Kitavi, a BOM teacher in Taveta, stressed the challenges they face in carrying out their responsibilities within schools. He emphasized the importance of their role and the dedication they bring to ensure high performance, referring to themselves as the “donkeys” of the schools.
Samuel Kazungu, another BOM teacher in Magarini, Kilifi county, shared his experiences, including irregular monthly salaries. He expressed concerns about the financial instability and the need to seek additional work during school closures to provide for his family.
Both teachers highlighted the dedication and hard work they put into teaching, often going beyond the responsibilities of TSC-employed teachers, while feeling undervalued and underappreciated.
