Lack of Funds Jeopardizes 100% Secondary Transition For Many Bright Students
The heart-wrenching stories of students who have done incredibly well on their exams, but are unable to continue their education due to lack of funds continues to emerge.
These students, some of whom are top performers, have been admitted to prestigious schools, only to watch their dreams of further education slowly fade away.
As Kenya’s 100% transition policy that dictates that every child should be able to continue their education, regardless of their exam performance, this policy is merely lip service, and its implementation is lacking.
Numerous stories of students from poor families and impoverished backgrounds are increasingly begging for help to continue their education.
Kenyans have shown a remarkable generosity and many of these students have been given a chance to fulfill their dreams. But what about the students whose stories have not been highlighted? What is their fate? Are they simply left to fall through the cracks?
While Kenyans contributions and generosity is appreciated, it is not enough. The government has spoken of capitation and the deployment of teachers, but the reality on the ground is often quite different.
Another challenge lies in the Junior Secondary School education.
With students transitioning to Grade 7, there are still numerous issues that need to be addressed, including overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of desks, insufficient qualified teachers, and insufficient books for the 14 subjects in Grade 7.
In some public schools, primary school teachers have been called upon to fill the gap until the government-promised teachers arrive.
Kenya has adopted the CBC curriculum for the long term. Efforts must be made to ensure its success, which will largely depend on the government’s plans for this sector.
Finally, the same government needs to do more for the students who are struggling to continue their education. These students did their part, studying hard and earning impressive marks, only to have their dreams shattered by a lack of funds.
The government needs to take responsibility for these students and ensure that they are given every opportunity to continue their education. This is the message of my memo.
Lack of Funds Jeopardizes 100% Secondary Transition For Many Bright Students
