Relocate JSS to Secondary

Relocate JSS to Secondary

Relocate JSS to Secondary. The proposal to relocate Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) to nearby day secondary schools has garnered a positive response. Furthermore, the current situation, with JSS currently housed within primary schools nationwide, is a cause for concern and necessitates immediate attention. As we look ahead to 2024, the progression of current Grade Seven students to Grade 8 may exacerbate these challenges.

Notably, a significant issue within the current JSS system is the lack of necessary infrastructure. In fact, most primary schools lack the required facilities for practical activities, which are integral components of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This deficiency in practical resources poses a significant challenge to students’ learning and achievement.

Improving Education Infrastructure and Teacher Resources for a Brighter Future

Another critical problem lies in the shortage of teachers in JSS schools. Current efforts to recruit new teachers do not sufficiently address the growing student population, given the 100 percent transition from Grade 6. The situation becomes more complex because the government has not absorbed over 40,000 teachers serving under internship.

Many of these intern teachers are already demotivated due to heavy workloads and government deductions from their monthly stipends. Furthermore, the poor state of most primary schools’ environments has significantly demoralized teachers. This issue is compounded by the fact that many of these teachers were trained to instruct students between the ages of 15 to 20. Consequently, JSS teachers often report strained relationships with school heads, often stemming from issues related to inferiority complexes.

To tackle these multifaceted challenges, we propose that the government considers relocating these schools to nearby secondary schools. This move would not only provide students with improved access to laboratory services but could also lead to cost savings. This is because secondary school teachers could also offer their expertise.

Furthermore, redirecting the funds initially earmarked for constructing new JSS buildings could lead to the hiring of more teachers, thus facilitating the effective implementation of the curriculum. This relocation has the potential to alleviate some of the pressing issues faced by JSS institutions, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education in Kenya. Stay tuned for more JSS news.