Schools are set to open next week for the third and final term of the academic calendar paving way for national examinations.
Children are currently on a two-week break after a tumultuous second term characterised by strikes.
Millions worth of property was lost in copy-cat school fires across the country but so far the only 'solution' by those tasked with the management of education is the push for the reintroduction of the cane.
Burning schools is definitely not the way to express discontent and those established to be behind the acts must face the law.
But on the flip side, has anyone taken time to establish what exactly is the story behind the story?
Some principals run schools like military barracks where learners have no say despite having elected student councils.
Students have been turned into robots and are expected to learn for long hours six days a week and only rest on Sundays.
The same students are underfed or served very poor diets, are not allowed time to engage in recreational activities like watching TV, dancing, sports or even just lying in the field.
This brings about academic stress, which can lead to psychological and physical problems.
It is by involving students in decision making that schools like Starehe Boys' Centre do not witness such strikes.
It is for this reason that we support the call by the National Parents Association for the involvement of students in decision making (See page 2).
Continued running of schools with an iron fist will only lead to more strikes.
Quote of the Day: “Life is never completely without challenges.”
Stan Lee
The American comic book writer was born on December 28, 1922
