This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On June 1, the Ministry of Education will implement a Covid-19 Response Plan, which aims to ensure continued learning and promote health, safety, and well-being of learners, teachers, and education officials during the coronavirus crisis.
The plan, which will be in place for one-and-a-half years, outlines measures the government intends to put in place to minimize adverse effects during the period schools are closed and when they reopen.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has hinted at a possible longer closure if the infections are not contained, saying, 'Would you rather take your children to school with the facts you have just been given?' He was alluding to the rising numbers of Covid-19 positive cases that had just been reported.
Since mid-March, schools have been closed, and the second term was initially set to begin on Monday this week, but it was pushed to June 4 when the situation regarding the spread of the disease will be assessed.
The response plan acknowledges the shortcomings of the current government interventions and anticipates a rise in undesirable behaviour that may have long-term effects on learners, including exposure to pornographic materials, drug and substance abuse, increased rape and gender-based violence, and defilement of children.
Children with disabilities and special needs face extra challenges because many encounter higher chances of neglect, abuse, and segregation, which predisposes them to possible psychosocial challenges, including mental ill health.
