The Kenya union of post primary teachers, has decried of the workload they are getting, trying to keep up with the competence based curriculum ( CBC).
Speaking at Kapsabet Showground for a fun day during the Easter Holidays, the teachers stated that this workload may end up affecting their mental health and in turn hinder performance.
They further highlighted that they also need extra-curricular activities and other mental awareness courses or exercises for them to unwind, Just like their students.
They stated,”When we resumed the school calendar after the pandemic, the programs were compressed with term dates squeezed. This has taken a toll on our teachers with pressure going up.”
“We are wary that some of this teachers might go into depression if we do not get a way to unwind,” they added.
The teachers’ union issued a plea to the government, to have mercy on the teachers by incorporating programs such as sporting activities, that will help them relax outside work.
They also highlighted that these teachers are silently fighting depression and other mental associated illnesses such as anxiety, because of their jobs.
They stated,”Sporting activities will be avenues of interaction which will, in turn, bring a positive result in our profession and lives at large.”
In December 2022, The National Chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), Johnson Nzioka, and the Presidential Advisor on mental Health, Dr. Frank Njenga, advised the Teachers service commission( TSC) to address mental health among teachers.
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