No pay for teachers who skip community classes

The Ministry of Education under the leadership CS Prof. George Magoha, has released guidelines to arrest of teachers or any person who cause disturbance to the new community learning programme rolled by his docket.

While speaking in Kilifi on Friday, Education CAS Zachary Kinuthia also revealed that teachers who skip classes or fail to register as tutors will also miss their pay.

Kinuthia explained that such teachers will be considered to have absconded their duties. He further explained that the Community Learning in Nyumba Kumi model is not meant to replace the main curriculum but the government does not want to see children idling.

Education Ministry has so far registered 224,494 tutors in readiness for the community learning programme with 67% of total teachers registered with the TSC. TSC boss Nancy Macharia [p/courtesy] The programme will have learners studying under trees, in community halls and open spaces in their areas. The student will be expected to strictly adhere to social distancing rules to curb the spread of covid-19. Wearing of masks and frequent sanitization or hand washing will also be compulsory. Classes will not have more than 15 learners. "15 is not a big number. It actually gives the teacher a great opportunity to interact with these children," Kinuthia added.

The move comes even as the government resorts to a countrywide risk assessment of all learning centers to establish their safety levels, suitability and readiness to re-open.

The exercise will require schools to avail data on specific health protocols on Covid-19.

By August 20, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had registered 224,494 tutors in readiness for programme that the government hopes will keep students occupied as schools remain closed. The remaining 112, 938 teachers are also expected to register but poor coordination and communication are threatening to stall the project even before kick off. Teachers, government administrators and health officials have complained of lack of clear directions on executing the plan. The state has been accused of not doing enough to reassure Kenyans of the safety of their children.