Emerging Threats in Education: Mental Health and Cybercrime.
The Ministry of Education is highlighting urgent new threats that jeopardize the safety and education of school children, with some even leading to student dropouts. A recent report by the ministry identifies climate change, mental health issues, and cybercrime as critical concerns needing immediate action.
The “National Education Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2027,” introduced by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, will serve as the guiding framework for the education sector over the next five years. In addition to new threats, the plan also addresses persistent challenges such as alcohol and substance abuse, HIV, insecurity, extremism, radicalization, drought, and floods.
Flooding, for instance, significantly disrupted education between March and April. Heavy rains led to a two-week school closure, demonstrating the severe impact of climate-related events on learning. In addition, to combat these issues, the ministry aims to integrate several initiatives into the school curriculum.
The strategy emphasizes equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to build a sustainable future and combat climate change. This includes embedding climate change education within the curriculum to promote climate-friendly solutions. “The climate change crisis will be addressed within the broader education for sustainable development framework, including interventions like greening, sustainable waste management, recycling, and carbon reductions,” the report states.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce climate-friendly cooking technology for school feeding programs, transitioning from traditional firewood to steam cookers.
Alcohol, drug, and substance abuse are other critical areas of concern. Schools and homes are now primary environments where students encounter these issues. The ministry’s plan targets factors that make students vulnerable to substance abuse, aiming to mitigate these risks through focused. interventions.
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The plan also addresses rising cases of non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and HIV among students, teachers, and adolescents. It emphasizes preventive measures and early detection, recognizing the adverse effects these conditions have on learning outcomes. “Focus will be on prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, including mental health and psycho-social issues affecting learning outcomes,” the document outlines.
The ministry also addresses gender-related barriers to education, such as child marriage, teen pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence. As a result, it aims to promote gender equality and ensure all students have equal access to education.
Another significant focus is peace education and global citizenship, which aims to foster social cohesion and a sense of global responsibility among students. Consequently, this initiative empowers students, teachers, parents, and communities to prevent radicalization and extremism, as educational institutions have become targets for these threats. “Empowering students will enhance prevention, detection, and effective responses to such dangers. This initiative will be implemented through child safety and protection programs,” the document reads.
In summary, the Ministry of Education’s strategic plan outlines comprehensive measures to tackle both new and ongoing threats to learners’ safety and education. Therefore, by addressing these issues through curriculum integration and community involvement, the ministry aims to create a safer, more inclusive, and resilient educational environment.
Emerging Threats in Education: Mental Health and Cybercrime.
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