More than 40 private primary schools in Bomet county have been approved by the government to host junior secondary, starting next year.
County director of Education Apollo Apuko said the schools have met the requirements and will start enrolling students under Competency-Based Curriculum after passing the national examinations.
Apuko said the students will continue with their junior secondary education activities in the same institutions they have been learning so long as the school has been approved to host them.
He made the remarks when he presided over the kindergarten graduation ceremony and Grade 6 prayer day at Tenwek International School in Bomet county over the weekend.
“As the policy of the education Ministry, we have identified private primary schools that will welcome the first Grade 6 graduates as boarders in junior secondary schools,” he said.
“After their examinations, the students will then transfer to the same school for junior secondary education, if they have met all the requirements.”
While lauding Tenwek International School for providing quality education, Apuko said the institution has been identified to host junior secondary school in 2023.
“The school has met all the requirements and those who will transit from Grade six will continue in this school,” Apuko said.
He called on the management to put up a laboratory as one of the requirements in the junior secondary school
The director also advised parents and guardians to take care of their children during the two-month holiday.
He said long holidays are a bit challenging and parents should be close to their children and talk to them, to understand the hurdles they face and guide them.
“This is a long holiday. We are asking parents to control their children’s lives; ensure they know when they go in and out. We want these children back in school next year,” Apuko said.
He said children are facing dangers such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages and drug abuse and asked the parents to be on the look out for the risks.
“Parents should not abscond their core calling of ensuring that they protect their children against undue influence by peer pressure to engage in drugs and sexuality,” he added.
Apuko said teachers have done their best to discipline students and taught them of good morals while in school and parents should also play their role.
“This is an all-inclusive participatory exercise by all stakeholders in order to mould holistic, responsible and disciplined future adults,” he said.
“It is easy for parents to discover when their children are engaging in questionable activities and should take time to talk to them.”
His sentiments were echoed by the school director Dr Elizabeth Okemwa saying that FGM is illegal no matter who carries it out, as it impacts negatively on the young girls.
“The effects may not be witnessed at that time but it may bring complications especially during labour, which can lead to death,” she said.
Okwema futher called on Kenyans to give equal education opportunities to both boys and girls so that they can change this country in future.
She also encouraged parents to be closer to their children and initiate meaningful activities they can do during this free time.
“We are heading to a seven-week holiday. Parents should be vigilant by ensuring their children are not exploited and their attentions are diverted by engaging in social vices like premature sex and drug abuse. These will affect their future,” Okemwa said.
