Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has said that schools will be safe for both teachers and learners than at home.
The SG, however, asked Kenyans not to imagine that schools will be free from Covid-19 noting that the disease might occur. He added that the schools have been linked with a medical facility in case any situation arises.
"From the assessment, we believe that teachers are safer in school than at home and therefore we need all the children back in school in the fullness of time and we hope schools will be safe." Stated Sossion.
He noted that teachers will need a lot of support from parents, guardians and caregivers in caring for children and carrying out the curriculum content and that the best cooperation they can give teachers is to bring all children back to schools.
"We urge parents to give teachers total support and cooperation… Schools must reopen. Let us not politicize the matter." Wilson Sossion said adding that issues arising will be dealt with along.
He asked Kenyans not to politicize the reopening issue but to get prepared mentally because schools must reopen and it's the best time to reopen schools for our children.
Mr Sossion assured parents that students will be safe in school as necessary precautions have been put in place. He noted that teachers have been in schools for a week preparing for learners and ensuring that all practical aspects to observe the Coronavirus are in place.
Mrs Janet Ouko who represented the many views of parents noted that parents need more time to prepare for the reopening of schools to address logistical issues. She added that no parent would want to be embarrassed because they do not have money.
Former Nairobi CEC Janet Muthoni Ouko blamed the government for insensitivity as parents are not financially prepared for the resumption of learning. She noted that the responsible thing is for the government to Disburse funds then parents will take their children to school.
In response, the Education Chief Executive Secretary Mr Zachary Kinuthia asked parents to prepare to take candidates back to school and worry not because the government will disburse money to school.
"Prepare and take your child back to school on Monday and this is the assurance of the government that everything shall be done. Don't worry about money, we will disburse money to schools." CAS Kinuthia said.
Zackary Kinuthia said that regardless of the Covid-19 situation and it's effect, every child deserves basic education and that children need a transition plan noting that that is what the government is doing.
CAS Kinuthia urged Kenyan to cooperate with the Ministry of Education by allowing phased reopening of schools promising to monitor the first phase of the reopening.
Mr Sossion however noted that teachers must be trained on how to handle the disease as well as to manage students. He asked Boards of Management to ensure that schools meet the Covid-19 health protocols. Schools Will Be Safe. Government To Fund Schools Upon Reopening.
