ECDE Center’s Deterioration: School Head Expresses Concerns
ECDE Center’s Deterioration: School Head Expresses Concerns. Nang’eni Primary School is grappling with challenges in its ECDE facilities. Head teacher Edward Wasike has expressed serious concerns about the state of the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center in Bumala constituency. Issues such as a lack of classrooms, deteriorating pit latrines, and a shortage of teachers for a sizable group of over 100 learners are evident.
Addressing Urgent Challenges in Early Childhood Education Facilities
Unfortunately, heavy rains in March exacerbated the situation, particularly affecting the girls’ pit latrines. Despite narrowly avoiding closure following intervention by public health officials, the school remains at risk without prompt assistance.
Adding to the complexity, the boys’ pit latrines, serving 450 students, are also in poor condition due to the school’s watery grounds. Efforts are now underway to address potential damage during the ongoing El Nino rains through terracing initiatives.
Edward Wasike urgently appeals to the national government to step in by constructing more classrooms and a modern laboratory for junior secondary education, given the school’s 900-plus learners. Concurrently, Save the Children’s ‘Breadth of Skills’ initiative is working to enhance ECDE environments in Bungoma and other counties. This initiative aims to foster innovation, critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills among learners.
Highlighting health concerns, Wasike pointed out the dusty conditions of ECDE classrooms in Bungoma, contributing to prolonged coughing among learners. In line with broader efforts to ensure a well-rounded education. Save the Children’s three-year project collaborates with county and national governments to secure necessary funding.
Children’s rights defender John Mukenya emphasized the project’s goal to equip learners with skills for a better future. This comprehensive initiative involves a review of education policies and legal frameworks to ensure holistic skills development.
Acknowledging the positive impact of the initiative on the county’s education program. Bungoma’s director of education and vocational training underscored the significance of quality curriculum and resources for children’s education.