Ministry of Education issues guidelines on school reopening on Monday

Ministry of Education issues guidelines on school reopening on Monday. The Ministry of Education has released guidelines in anticipation of schools reopening on Monday. Particularly, in schools accommodating displaced individuals, national government administration officials are tasked with finding alternative housing for affected persons to enable students to resume classes for the second term.

Parents are also reminded to ensure their children arrive at school safely and punctually. However, some students, especially those in boarding schools, returned to classes last week in line with the school calendar.

This initiative follows the Ministry of Education’s directive for school principals and leaders with students already in attendance to provide support and ensure safety amidst ongoing floods, which have claimed lives, displaced over 130,000 people, and caused substantial damage. The opening of schools for the second term was postponed from April 29 to May due to flooding.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu emphasized the adverse impact of the rains on schools, including infrastructure damage, submerged buildings, and loss of teaching materials. Some schools are currently providing shelter to internally displaced individuals.

To address challenges posed by the weather, Machogu’s ministry has implemented safety measures for students and staff in basic education institutions.

Concerns regarding accessibility due to flooding, landslides, and transportation disruptions prompted Machogu to urge parents to ensure their children’s safe and timely arrival at school. Schools hosting displaced individuals are encouraged to seek alternative accommodation to facilitate normal learning activities.

Additionally, education officials are tasked with developing strategies to mitigate disruptions caused by flood-damaged facilities.

Reports detailing damages and mitigation plans must be submitted by May 8, 2024, with County Education Boards instructed to convene urgent meetings and submit comprehensive reports by May 10, 2024. Continuous updates on school status are required from regional education directors.

The safety and well-being of students, teachers, and the school community are paramount, with guidance from weather forecasts issued by the Meteorological Department.

The National Parents Association supports the government’s decision to resume classes but emphasizes the importance of safety assessments before reopening.

If conditions are deemed unsafe, students should remain at home until the situation improves. Ministry of Education issues guidelines on school reopening on Monday.