The Catholic Diocese of Nakuru has affirmed its commitment to build infrastructure in its schools as it prepares for the enrollment of the first batch of junior secondary students early next year.
The diocese's education secretary Christopher Kamau said plans are underway to construct additional classrooms in Catholic-sponsored schools across the county for the Competence-Based Curriculum.
“As we wind up the 8-4-4 system and embrace CBC, we are also seeking donors to support us in ensuring implementation of the new system is a success,” Fr Kamau said.
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The priest who spoke at St Mary’s Girls Primary School on Sunday underscored the significance of the church-sponsored schools in the success of the programme.
“Church-sponsored schools are critical in complementing the government's goals in achieving 100 per cent transition from primary to junior secondary and the shift to the new education system,” he said.
The government plans to restore the academic calendar back to normal early next year which may exert more pressure on the sector as CBC becomes a reality.
The education sector was among those that were hard hit following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
"The Catholic Church is focused on making more investments in its schools. We want to ensure sufficient infrastructure. We want to ensure the children get the best we can offer," Kamau said.
St Mary’s Girls Primary School headteacher Carolyne Macharia said the inclusion of new aspects in the system such as exposure to real businesses and creative arts will greatly impact the children’s thinking and research.