Coping with Chaos: Schools Reopen Amidst Flood Havoc.
As schools kick off their second term nationwide, chaos reigns supreme in ill-equipped institutions grappling with the aftermath of deadly floods. Basic education centers are struggling to resume normalcy after the deluge wreaked havoc, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
One significant example is the plight of Hatata and Bakuyu primary schools in Tana River County, where the calamity forced learners and educators to seek refuge elsewhere. Mr. Omar Ramadhan, a member of Hatata Primary School’s board of management, shared that learners from Garissa and Mororo had to relocate to Garissa town, thanks to the generosity of a private school offering temporary classrooms.
In Nyeri County, Ndunyugwathi Primary School witnessed a scene of pupils and teachers pushing a septic truck stuck in mud within the compound. Heavy rains had flooded pit latrines, disrupting classes and forcing the community to unite in unconventional efforts to resolve the situation.
The flood’s impact extended to West Pokot County, where Chepkalit schools remain submerged, necessitating reconstruction efforts. Similarly, in Turkana County, St Kevin’s Secondary School students faced detours due to swollen rivers, prompting calls for infrastructure development to ease their commute.
The challenges are not confined to specific regions. In Uasin Gishu County, transportation woes left hundreds of learners stranded, while Meru, Murang’a, and Tharaka Nithi counties grappled with teacher protests affecting junior schools’ operations.
Homa Bay County experienced a unique dilemma, where flood-displaced families occupying school premises had to be relocated to enable learning to resume. This underscores broader issues of humanitarian concern intertwined with educational disruptions.
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Meanwhile, Lamu County struggled with flooded highways, requiring alternative transport arrangements for students. Insecurity further compounded issues, preventing pupils from terror-prone areas from attending school.
In Kisumu County, despite severe flood impacts, some schools courageously reopened, albeit with lingering safety concerns. This decision has drawn criticism from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), highlighting widespread infrastructure damage and safety risks unaddressed by authorities.
Additionally, LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the rushed reopening, citing reports of submerged schools, impassable roads, and compromised buildings. The criticism underscores broader concerns about prioritizing student safety amidst natural disasters and infrastructural challenges.
The chaotic reopening also sparked legal action, with LSK preparing to challenge evictions and rights violations linked to flood-related displacement. These legal battles reflect the multifaceted fallout from natural disasters, intertwining legal, humanitarian, and educational dimensions.
In conclusion, the reopening of schools amidst post-flood chaos highlights systemic vulnerabilities and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies. Balancing educational continuity with safety imperatives remains a daunting task, requiring concerted efforts from authorities, communities, and stakeholders to navigate these turbulent times.
Coping with Chaos: Schools Reopen Amidst Flood Havoc.
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