Mental Health and Cybercrime: Ministry Highlights New Threats to Learners’ Safety
The Ministry of Education has raised concerns about emerging threats that endanger school children, disrupt their education, and lead to increased dropout rates.
According to a recent document from the ministry, climate change, mental health issues, and cybercrime are pressing matters requiring immediate attention.
This document, the National Education Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2027, will serve as a guide for the education sector over the next five years.
The strategic plan was unveiled last week by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
In addition to new threats, the plan also addresses longstanding issues such as alcohol, drug, and substance abuse, HIV, insecurity, extremism and radicalisation, drought, and floods.
For instance, heavy rains in March and April caused significant disruptions, forcing schools to close for two weeks due to flooding.
Integrating Solutions into Education
To tackle these challenges, the ministry intends to integrate various initiatives into the school curriculum.
The goal is to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values to foster a sustainable future and combat climate change.
The plan includes incorporating climate change education into the curriculum with solutions such as greening, sustainable waste management, recycling, and carbon reductions.
This initiative is part of a broader framework for sustainable development.
Furthermore, the government is set to introduce climate-friendly cooking technology in the school feeding programme, replacing traditional firewood with steam cookers.
Addressing Substance Abuse and Health Issues
The document also highlights the growing concern over alcohol, drug, and substance abuse in schools and homes.
The ministry’s interventions will focus on factors that make students vulnerable to substance abuse.
Additionally, the plan addresses rising cases of non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and HIV infections among students, teachers, and adolescents.
Emphasis will be placed on preventive measures and early detection to mitigate their negative impact on educational outcomes.
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Gender-Related Barriers and Safety
Gender-related barriers such as child marriage, teen pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence are also a significant focus.
The ministry aims to promote gender equality and safety in education through targeted interventions.
Promoting Peace and Global Citizenship
Peace education and global citizenship are other key components of the plan. This initiative seeks to foster social cohesion, peace, and a sense of global citizenship.
By empowering learners, teachers, parents, and communities, the ministry hopes to prevent radicalisation and extremism, recognising the vulnerability of educational institutions to these threats.
Enhanced child safety and protection programmes will support this initiative, improving prevention, detection, and response to potential dangers.
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Mental Health and Cybercrime: Ministry Highlights New Threats to Learners’ Safety
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