Nairobi:Education stakeholders in Homa Bay County have initiated a series of measures aimed at improving academic standards within the county. The stakeholders, who represent a broad spectrum of the community, convened with learners and Ministry of Education officials to discuss strategies for enhancing the quality of education.
According to Kenya News Agency, the three-day meeting provided students with an opportunity to voice the challenges they encounter in their educational environments. The insights and recommendations gathered during these discussions will be compiled into a comprehensive draft document, which will be submitted to the Ministry with the aim of elevating education standards.
The forum was a convergence of various community members, including security officers, clergy, elders, boda boda operators, and education officials, who collectively sought solutions to enhance the educational experience. Students shared that excessive workloads often impact their mental health negatively, prompting concerns among stakeholders.
Eunice Khaemba, the Homa Bay County Education Director, highlighted that mental health issues often stem from familial problems, thereby affecting educational outcomes. “Some children come from homes where parents are struggling with domestic disputes, depression, and anxiety. Learners from such families are also affected,” Ms. Khaemba noted. She expressed satisfaction with the constructive feedback from learners and suggested psychological support for those experiencing mental distress.
Health experts at the meeting pointed out that many educators lack the skills to manage students with psychological challenges. Georgina Otieno, a psychiatric nurse at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, emphasized the need for sensitive engagement rather than punitive measures for affected students. She advocated for the referral of learners with mental health issues to specialists.
Ms. Otieno further recommended the incorporation of mental health programs in school curricula by the Ministry of Education. In addressing school unrest, Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem attributed such issues to drug abuse and suggested the implementation of community policing strategies within schools. He proposed that regular interactions between officers and students during assemblies could preemptively address security concerns.
Additionally, Apolo Bwana from the Luo Council of Kenya raised alarms about the detrimental effects of online and political violence on children, underscoring the need for protective measures in the digital and social realms.
