Private Schools Push for Accelerated Registration Warn of Dropout Surge.
Over two million learners enrolled in Alternative Provision for Basic Education and Training (APBET) schools in Kenya face uncertainty about returning to school in January.
The delay in registering these schools has raised alarm among directors, who emphasize the critical role these institutions play in the education sector.
The directors of APBET schools are urging the government to speed up their registration process. They argue that these institutions are key partners in the education system and deserve equitable support, including access to capitation funds.
Without swift action, many learners could be forced to remain at home, contradicting the government’s 100% transition policy.
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“The government directive of 100% transition means we should not have learners at home. Learners should be in school, so we can’t contradict ourselves by closing schools that host a large population of learners.”
Impact of 100% Transition Policy
The government’s directive mandates that all learners transition to the next level of education. APBET school directors warn that shutting down these schools would leave a significant portion of the student population stranded.
They highlight that sending learners back to the streets undermines efforts to ensure universal education access.
Currently, 71% of learners in Kenya attend private schools, while only 29% are enrolled in public schools. Directors have raised concerns about the disparity in capitation fund allocation, noting that all learners are Kenyan children and should be treated equally.
They believe that allocating funds to private schools would enable these institutions to meet registration conditions and improve infrastructure.
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A significant number of learners in APBET schools come from low-income backgrounds, making fee payments a challenge.
The directors argue that financial support through capitation funds would not only enhance education quality but also ensure these learners remain in school, aligning with national education goals.
Conclusion
The directors emphasize that addressing registration delays and funding inequalities is vital to prevent mass dropouts. They call on the government to acknowledge the critical role of private schools in achieving universal education and act promptly to safeguard the future of millions of learners.
Private Schools Push for Accelerated Registration Warn of Dropout Surge.
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