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Parents celebrate 100 percent transition as schools grapple with space

Kenya’s  efforts at achieving universal primary and secondary education is threatened by inadequate and in some cases  lack  of proper infrastructure for almost all secondary schools.

Several  interventions by the government have resulted in an almost 100 percent transition from primary to secondary  schools but with resultant challenges.

Though  a good initiative, it has put a strain on available resources in many schools and some school principals have  been  forced to convert every available space, including dining halls into classrooms or dormitories to cope.

According  to Cardinal Otunga Girls High School Principal, Mrs. Emelda Oyombe, the dining hall is being used as a dormitory while  some students use the neighbouring primary block for lessons due to inadequate classrooms.

Emelda  said that so far the school has only been able to construct a modern bathhouse replacing the old one that could  only accommodate a small number of students at a time.

She  requested parents, stakeholders and well wishers during a funds drive at the school on May 13, to raise funds to put  up new facilities that the institution was going through several challenges; including inadequate dormitories, lack  of  multi-purpose hall, inadequate laboratories, classrooms, library and a lean staff.

The  Principal  said the school intends to put up a multi-purpose hall, which will be used as a dining hall and also serve as an  entertainment hall.

She  said the 100 per cent transition policy has made the current student population rise to 1,125 with 362 girls admitted  in form one, 319 in form two, 247 in form three and 197 in form four.

The fundraiser that was led by Bungoma Deputy Governor, Prof. Charles Ngome raised Sh. 7 million. The  cash  will enable the school embark on the construction of a multipurpose hall.

Ngome  called on teachers to aim at posting C as the last grade this year. In 2018, the school recorded a 7.3831 mean grade with nine girls achieving grade D.

He  also advised the Education Cabinet  Secretary,  Prof. George  Magoha  to have a water tight strategic plan in place  towards implementing the new curriculum, saying that the 8.4.4 system did not work because of poor planning.

“The Competency based curriculum programme is very good but if teachers are not trained adequately on how to implement  it, it will fail the way 8.4.4 system failed,” ’ the deputy governor said.

He  also emphasized the need for more teachers to handle the big numbers so that quality is not compromised.

By   Tony  Wafula/ Roseland Lumwamu

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