Two Teachers union in Kenya suggests that reopening of schools be scheduled by at least September this year.
A plea for two teachers union in Kenya
Two of the major teachers union in Kenya, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), are having the same opinion on opposing an early reopening of schools in the country. Both teachers union is hoping that the government will consider the month of September as the earliest schedule for the reopening of schools in Kenya.
Apart from this, the two unions are hoping to move the national exams to maybe around January to April of the year 2021.
A press conference was conducted by a group of government agencies in Kenya that was participated by the following: The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Doctors Union (KMPDU), The Human Rights Commission of Kenya, and a group of African Women Educators. During this conference, KNUT and UASU voiced out their concern about postponing the opening of school to not at least the month of September.
In their statement, the joint teachers union asked for the government to be transparent on the current situation of the country with regards to the virus and must establish clear communication within government agencies in dealing with the pandemic.
Reopening of classes
In relation to the reopening of classes, the two teachers union in Kenya also suggested a phased transition of students and a more intensive safety guideline for schools.
Safety and pubic health should be the priority of the government if they intend to reopen schools.
Also, the joint group of the teachers union in Kenya is urging the government to conduct mass testing on boarding schools in the country before allowing the students back to school. The group fears the reoccurrence of the same case that happened in Singapore where residents from boarding zones contributed to the huge spike in the increase of COVID-19 cases.
In addition, increasing the workforce of teachers and teacher aides is vital in adjusting to the new norm of physical classes. Classrooms will be increased and classroom-size shall be decreased to follow the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19.
