-Our Team in Kenya
A Crossroads
The last school term of the year in Kenya is usually met with mixed reactions. Every high school student is excited and counting down to their final examination of the year that will majorly determine whether they progress to next class or not. Those in 12th grade are usually preparing to sit for their final high school exams.
However, this school term, many students are currently at crossroads because their teachers are on a strike.
This term, which runs for only 9 weeks, officially started on 26th August 2024 and is expected to close on 25th October 2024. It’s a very short term so the schools work hard to utilize every opportunity to complete their syllabus as well as have time for examinations.
Teacher Strike
However, this year, the country is experiencing a teacher strike. High schools are the most affected.
Most of the students reported back to a school without teachers. It affects their studies as they may not cover their entire syllabus or have to do it hurriedly which could affect their end of term performance.
Unrest and Frustration
Some schools have even sent the students back home, and at other schools the students are causing mayhem. For example, a school dormitory was recently burnt down by students. Unfortunately, there were no teachers around and so the students chose this as a way to communicate their frustration.
Most of our high school sponsored students are at home, indefinitely. No one knows when learning will resume, and this is a critical term in the school calendar.
Why the Protests?
The professional teachers trade union for secondary school teachers, known as Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), wants the government to address several issues including:
- better pay for the teachers since most of them are paid poorly and trying to survive on loans and credits
- delayed promotions with some kept at internship status for years
- better working conditions
- better career progress
- concerns with the Junior school and Competency Based Education (CBE) as a whole
Primary Schools are Back
The Primary school teachers, known as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), called off their strike on 25th August and on 26th August schools resumed as usual. Primary school kids are enjoying school and working hard to complete the syllabus this year. Parents are excited to see their children go back to school and praying for their good performance.
Join Us In Prayer
Please pray for our high school students, that the strike will be called off and they will be able to go back to school soon. Pray that the government and other funding agencies speed up the development process of the educational infrastructure and that all students are able to learn in a positive environment with the necessary stationery and books. Please pray for the families in our communities during this difficult time.
