Boarding schools are expensive- KNUT support PS Belio’s directive of primary boardings ban.
The kenya national union of teachers, led by the secretary general, Collins Oyuu, have supported the government’s decision to abolish primary school boardings.
During the Kenya Primary Schools Head Association (Kepsha) annual conference at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Primary school in Mombasa, PS Kipsang’ highlighted that grade 1 to 9 should be in day schools starting next year.
Some of the sentiments shared were,”Many parents have left their responsibilities to teachers, in fact, they wish that all their children to be in boarding schools. Many of us don’t know our children. Let all the schools be day schools.” He said parents will now be able to guide and counsel their children.
“Why should we have a 10-year-old going to a boarding school? We need that bond established between the parent and child,” they added
However, other school heads seemed comfortable with having learners in boarding schools.
They stated,”The existing few boarding primary schools take care of that. Most of the parents who take their children to boarding schools are happy with what goes on there and so are the learners.”
Belio although, stated that in arid and semi- arid areas, boarding schools will be maintained , for the peace of mind of learners when parents are fending for them.
He stated,”When their parents go out to look for pasture, we want to make sure the children are in school. We are encouraging all our junior secondary schools to be an environment that allows children to be close and bond with their parents. For the existing boarding facilities, the communities and the state will agree on the way forward.”
KNUT Secretary General supported,”The idea being propelled in the education sector is to make education affordable. Boarding schools are expensive.”
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