“I did not bring Covid19. Let children learn at community level till government says it is safe to open schools.Why do you want them to go and die in schools?” – – – CS MAGOHA
These words by CS Education Kenya have led to many blaming the minister of being insensitive to teachers and learners. But Yesterday, the Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha blamed the failed laptop project while in a meeting with university stakeholders, which was one of the key promises made by President Uhuru Kenyatta. In what was a response to the challenges announced over the communal classes introduced by his ministry to mitigate #covid19 and that it would be undertaken in community spaces including social halls and under trees.
He blamed government functionaries for failing to implement the laptop project, stating that it would have facilitated digital learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Education has faced criticism for its roll-out of digital classes as well as TV and radio learning programs, with many arguing that it fostered inequality as many children had been left out.
Protocols being drafted for the new process will see the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) assign teachers to various areas, with schools not re-opening until January 2021.
At the forum, Magoha also met with Vice-Chancellors of universities in the country and offered advice on various reforms required for the institutions to adapt.
The CS advised institutions to invest in online learning infrastructure to ensure they were able to offer education even during the pandemic.
#By Amunga
