Confusion Over Half-Term Dates Amid Planned Protests.
Parents faced confusion on Monday regarding the half-term break dates, fearing potential disruptions to their children’s travel plans due to planned anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests on Tuesday.
Numerous students, still in their uniforms, were spotted at various matatu termini in Nairobi, heading home earlier than scheduled. These students reported that their break had been moved up to ensure they reached home safely before the protests. The demonstrations are set for Tuesday and Thursday this week.
Initially, the Ministry of Education scheduled the half-term break from June 26 to 28, 2024. Some concerned parents contacted the Nation’s news desk to confirm if these dates had been changed. However, on Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu confirmed that learners would still take their break from Wednesday and return to school the following Monday, as originally planned. He emphasized that this was the official date and that school principals were already informed.
Education Point reported that senior education officials met on Sunday to discuss the half-term schedule. A source indicated that while no formal communication was issued, school administrations were allowed to decide the most suitable time to release learners. It was agreed that no students would be sent home on Tuesday to ensure their safety during the demonstrations.
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Despite these efforts, social media was rife with messages suggesting revised break dates, although the authenticity of these messages could not be confirmed.
Concerns Over Student Safety
In response to the planned protests against the controversial Financial Bill, many schools across the country have opted to start their mid-term break earlier than initially scheduled. The protests, coinciding with the revised mid-term break, have sparked concerns that students might get caught up in the demonstrations or even influenced to join them.
This decision to begin the break early has led to disruptions in teaching and learning for the second time this year. Previously, the April holiday was extended by two weeks due to heavy rains and floods affecting various parts of the country.
Originally set for June 20th to 23rd, the break was later rescheduled to June 26th to 28th per a revised school calendar. Despite these changes, the Education Ministry insists that the official mid-term break dates remain unchanged, though some schools have deviated from this directive.
Parents from several schools informed The Standard that they received unexpected text messages on Sunday evening, notifying them of the impromptu decision to start the mid-term break earlier. One message stated that due to the ongoing events in the country, the half-term dates had been reviewed. It informed parents that the break would now run from Tuesday, June 25 to Sunday, June 30, 2024, with students expected to return on Monday, July 1, 2024.
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Another message from a day school announced the cancellation of Tuesday classes due to the planned demonstration, citing safety concerns for children attending school that day.
Coordinated Efforts for Safety
Silas Obuhatsa, chairman of the National Parents Association, urged schools on Sunday to make necessary arrangements for students’ transport as they depart for the mid-term break. This call for coordination aimed to ensure the safety and smooth transit of students amidst the protests.
Before the schools reopened, Dr. Kipsang stated that the second term of the school calendar would not be extended, following discussions between the Ministry of Education and school heads. However, he did not entirely rule out the possibility of a term extension, indicating that the ministry would continuously monitor the learning progress. Dr. Kipsang expressed confidence that the lost time could be recovered without extending the term.
In conclusion, the confusion over the half-term break dates amid the planned protests highlights the challenges faced by schools and parents in ensuring student safety. The Ministry of Education remains firm on the official dates, though individual schools have taken measures to protect their students from potential risks associated with the protests.
Confusion Over Half-Term Dates Amid Planned Protests.
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