Issues that need to be addressed as schools reopen

As the clock ticks towards the schools' opening day, it is that time of the year again when the Ministry of Education needs to raise its antennae and look out for a number of issues that come up around this time.

First, it is the prospective students whose quest for education might end prematurely because of lack of funds. This mostly affects children who are transitioning from primary to secondary schools.

A good example is one student who to put his story on a placard and walked in the streets for him to be noticed.

The boy scored well over 400 marks and was admitted to the school of his choice. Yet, if it were not for his act of courage, which has now attracted interest from several people, he would probably be in danger of missing Form One. His case is a representation of the desperation in most families.

It is unfortunate that not all deserving candidates access the various funds that have been put up by both charitable institutions and governance agencies.

For example, this boy claims to have missed out on the Equity and KCB programmes that have been quite useful in intervening for bright but financially handicapped students. In the next two weeks, there will be a number of them reporting to school with empty boxes.

As I have advised before, it would be better if the ministry had a register of deserving students so that they can get help from government or other institutions. I have also advised before that every school should set aside a number of scholarship slots to cater for needy cases.

Secondly, the Education ministry must strictly enforce the fee guidelines. This is a perennial problem and we have seen parents get shocked on the reporting day after they are confronted with all manner of fee heads. The usual culprit is the so-called development fee. I have even heard of an institution where newly admitted students will be required to pay a certain fee so as to help the institution pay off a loan.

The issue of uniforms has been a talking point for several years, with no commensurate action. Yes, it may be convenient for schools to make arrangements for some items to be acquired in school, but it should never be mandatory. For example, some parents are tailors. Why would such parents be forced buy uniform?

The last issue that needs to be dealt with is disbursement of school capitation. This year, school heads had a hard time managing their institutions due to delayed disbursements of funds.

I hear that things have gotten so bad that teachers are shying away from applying for administrative positions when they are advertised. With the increased cost of living and delayed funds, the likely bearer of the burden will be the parent. It cannot be that the education sector has the largest budget and yet has these struggles.

All in all, if there is one sector that must be managed optimally, then it is this sector. Education has been the greatest equalizer in society, and no one should lose out.

-The writer is anchor at Radio Maisha