Govt to Relocate Flood-Affected Schools, Bridge Teacher Shortage
The national government has committed to permanently relocating several schools affected by floods in Tana River County.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL) Kelo Arsama and Garsen MP Ali Wario, visited schools and IDP camps in Tana Delta Sub County on Saturday.
They announced that the ministry had already allocated funds for the renovation and relocation of schools to ensure smooth learning activities in the area.
Machogu reported that funds had been set aside, which would be supplemented by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) for constructing classrooms and improving school infrastructure.
At least 22 schools in Tana Delta Sub County were submerged by floodwaters in March 2024, with many still waterlogged, impacting the education of thousands of learners.
“We have set aside funds that will be toppled up with the NGCDF for construction of classrooms and improving infrastructure in schools,” he said.
Addressing Teacher Shortage
To address the teacher shortage in the area, Machogu stated that more teachers would be posted to schools.
He encouraged parents to send their children to Teachers Training Colleges to address the exodus of teachers from outside Tana River.
He noted that there was a shortage of 297 teachers and the ministry planned to bridge this gap by sending more teachers this year.
“I have seen you have a shortage of 297 teachers and as a ministry we are going to send more teachers this year so that we can bridge that gap,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of local qualifications, urging parents to support their children in pursuing teaching courses.
“Education is the only equalizer and we have vacancies in the teaching profession but in Tana River very few have the qualifications and I want to challenge parents to take their children for teaching courses so that they can be employed here instead of you depending on teachers from other regions,” he said.
Distribution of Relief Materials
Principal Secretary Arsama highlighted that his department was already distributing iron sheets, building materials, and food items to residents displaced by the floods to help them restart their lives.
He noted that the President had directed him to ensure all flood victims were resettled, prompting the distribution of essential materials.
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MP Wario expressed gratitude to the national government for its commitment to resettle IDPs on higher grounds to prevent future flood damage.
He also advocated for establishing a teacher training college in Garsen to train local teachers, emphasizing the need for educational infrastructure improvements to better serve the community.
Govt to Relocate Flood-Affected Schools, Bridge Teacher Shortage
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