How MPs can bridge schools equipment gaps
How MPs can bridge schools equipment gaps
Members of Parliament can help schools buy the supplies they need to implement the curriculum.MPs are able to donate equipment in educational institutions through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), according to Dr. Joel Mabonga, chief executive of the School Equipment and Production Unit (SEPU).
“We can provide certain school requirements that schools need in order to allow students to access learning with funds from the CDF.” Collaborative things can include things like desks, lab and library equipment, and infrastructure, according to Dr. Mabonga.
According to him, if school administrators create an environment that fosters learning, then the blame game surrounding subpar performance among school stakeholders can be resolved.Collaboration amongst stakeholders, according to Dr. Mabonga, will guarantee that teachers receive the necessary curriculum and instructional materials on time.
He asserted that finding alternatives is necessary to guarantee effective teaching and learning even in the face of delayed funding for schools.Dr. Mabonga acknowledges that delayed capitation reduces the purchasing power of schools, and he suggests that the government, through its agencies, collaborate with other organizations to supply schools with the necessary materials.
‘‘When there are delays in release of capitation to schools, the ripple effects trickle down to schools purchasing power. We are trying to look for other avenues to come out of this,’’ Dr Mabonga said.Dr Mabonga further said government changed policy of acquiring learning materials from where schools purchased them directly to now where publishers are contracted directly by the government to deliver the products to institutions.
He observed that, although the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) does its mandate of quality assurance, facilities reaching the destination lays squarely with the service providers.“The challenge has been at the point of distribution because the publishers is to ensure they deliver the consignment to the doorsteps of schools. In case of delays, the problem is in the chain of distribution not KICD or government,” Dr Mabonga said.He however said, the government is working on modality of ensuring technology is used to ensure books and other learning materials reach schools in the right time.
He further acknowledged the shortage of resources in schools, saying the most affected are County and Sub-County although they absorb many learners every year.Dr Mabonga said the disparities that exist in the education landscape continue affecting the sector and pitched for equal distribution of resources.
“Not all schools are well endowed and diverse learning and instruction materials. We have national schools with well historic good infrastructural resources as opposed to the Sub-County Schools,” he said.“There needs to be an analysis of distribution of the resources to be able to see how to bring in equity in schools.”Dr Mabonga further said, with the Competency Based Curriculum, schools will now prioritize their needs depending on the capitation disbursed.
“In CBC, the creativity of what learners will be able to do will save the government a great deal. Schools will now prioritize their needs depending on funding from the government,’’ he stated.He said, rationalization of learning areas in Comprehensive School (Grade one to Six and that of Junior Secondary) is an indication of governments effort to reduce cost of burden from households.Dr Mabonga said the agency is mandated to design, produce and deliver school equipment ranging from school lockers, science materials and chemical re-agents.
According to him, the organization in charge of basic education has developed an intervention to help lessen the difficulties junior secondary students have in scientific classes.”We have examined the JSS curriculum and developed a corresponding provision. Wherever we have insufficient lab space, we have innovated to ensure.
