Parents Grapple with Back-to-School Chaos Amid Textbook Shortages.
As schools prepare to reopen next week, parents and guardians are flocking to bookshops and uniform centers to ensure their children are ready for the new term.
However, parents with children transitioning to grade nine are expressing frustration due to a shortage of textbooks and uncertainty surrounding the required materials.
Challenges in Securing Grade N Textbooks
Parents are struggling to find all the necessary textbooks for grade 9. Many have been unable to locate some books on store shelves despite their best efforts.
A parent shared that they were still searching for missing books to ensure their children could attend school on Tuesday.
Booksellers cited delays in publishing and slow distribution as the main reasons for the shortages.
They explained that uncertainty about whether schools would use old or newly rationalized books has added to the confusion.
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Some schools have been unable to provide definitive book lists, leaving parents hesitant about which materials to purchase. Many fear buying the wrong textbooks, resulting in cautious spending.
One parent expressed mixed feelings, unsure whether the issue stemmed from government inefficiency or schools providing lists for books not yet supplied. This uncertainty has left parents feeling helpless.
Ministry of Education Addresses the Issue
The Ministry of Education reported that the printing of grade 9 textbooks had been completed and assured parents that distribution was underway.
Officials stated that 9 million books had been printed, with 85% of public schools already receiving their allocation.
The remaining 14% of schools experienced delays, mainly due to the unavailability of teachers to receive the books during distribution.
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Unlike previous years, uniform centers are witnessing reduced business. This decrease is attributed to the absence of students joining Form One this year, which has alleviated the usual congestion.
A customer remarked on the stark difference compared to previous years when long queues were common. They expressed relief at the smoother experience this time.
Parents Grapple with Back-to-School Chaos Amid Textbook Shortages.
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