School leavers, varsity students take over as teachers

As the teachers’ strike continues to bite, schools have opted for alternative teachers by engaging volunteers as negotiations between the teachers and the government continue.

In Murang’a, university students as well as form four leavers have taken over the role of teachers even as the strike entered its second week on Monday.

With the help of Ahadi Trust Kenya, the schools have engaged university students and form four leavers to teach in various primary schools across the county.

Pupils and students are bearing the brunt of the teachers strike over the 50-60% salary increment that is yet to be implemented.

According to Ahadi Kenya Trust executive director Stanley Kamau, one school has seen 18 volunteers come out to teach pupils.

Kamau said his organization had opted to sponsor the volunteers to engage the children in schools noting that when they are at home, they are prone to many activities that may hinder the education progress.

He called government and the teachers’ unions to end the stalemate that has seen the strike enter its second week.

Kamau called on professionals who are not currently engaged in any employment to volunteer and help the children in their studies.

“Some children, especially those in private schools, continue learning and at the end they will compete with those who are affected by teachers’ strike,” said Kamau.

He noted that being a third term it was not fair to interrupt the learning as the candidates prepare for the final examinations saying the boycott will seriously affect primary and secondary candidates.