• Ngasike said young children were likely to be stressed by the introduction of a second language, hence limiting their potential to learn.
Image: HESBORN ETYANG
The Turkana government has urged early childhood education teachers in the county to use the local language while teaching in school.
The use of Turkana language “Ngaturkan” at learning centres will be fully compliant with the national language policy on teaching at that level of education.
John Ngasike, a renowned scholar of ECDE and the chair of Turkana County Public Service Board, said, “The policy was firmly grounded on research evidence indicating that use of local language at that level facilitated the attainment of the best learning outcomes for the young children.”
He said young children were likely to be stressed by the introduction of a second language, hence limiting their potential to learn.
“The policy is very clear on language use in places with diverse communities speaking different languages and the stage at which children being taught in the local language would be introduced to English and Kiswahili as national languages,” Ngasike said.
He spoke Monday in Kakuma during the training of ECDE teachers and officials on mental health. The event was jointly organised by the Turkana government and Unicef Kenya.
Ngasike said training of ECDE teachers is meant to respond to the rising cases of psychological problems among teachers manifested by chronic absenteeism, alcoholism and anxiety.
He said the psychosocial well-being of the teachers was quite significant in enhancing problem-solving skills and promoting career development required to attain the desired level of professionalism.
Turkana director of ECDE Samuel Eregae said they have put robust infrastructure in place to ensure that all ECDE teachers and officials are informed of policy requirements to execute their duties.
“The three days of mental wellness training for the ECDE teachers and officials from the host and refugee communities in Turkana West was meant to equip trainees with the necessary skills for integrating psychosocial support in their daily interaction with the ECDE learners and their parents,” he said.
Eregae said the trainees would be exposed to content relating to stress and anxiety management, positive behaviour change and critical life skills for professional growth.
He said the training was tailored to permit interaction with reformed alcoholics whose experiences will be used to motivate trainees and set them on a path of growth for themselves and the children they handle.
Edited by A.N