Experts want Covid-19 integrated in curricula

A health worker takes samples from Halima Nuru at Kisumu Ndogo in Kibra, Nairobi, during mass testing for coronavirus at Olym pics Primary School last week. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Medical experts and teachers are calling for integration of Covid-19 into the curriculum across all subjects.

Dr Githinji Gitahi, the Amref Health Africa CEO, said learning should not go back to the ordinary curriculum when schools re-open.

He wants the government to create a special module on Covid-19 to empower learners with knowledge on the viral disease and how to deal with it besides sharing experiences.

“We need to pay attention to the experiences we have had and what is expected in future as far as Covid-19 is concerned. I would recommend that the Ministry of Education prepares this module and make it the focus within the first week or so we schools resume,” said Dr Gitahi. 

He said teachers too need training to offer psychosocial support to learners.

Dr Gitahi made the remarks on KTN’s FrontRow TV show on Tuesday night where he was joined education consultant Dr Lucy Wakiaga and Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) secretary-general Wilson Sossion.

Their discussions centred on how the pandemic has disrupted the education sector and what it will take to recover fully.

“That means the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should burn the midnight oil and ensure that is integrated in all learning institutions,” Sossion said.

Last month, Knut, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, Kenya Human Rights Commission and Forum for African Women Educationalists made their submissions on effects of Covid-19 on education to the National Covid-19 Education Committee.

The committee is expected to hand over the final report to Education CS George Magoha.

Part of their recommendations were that the earliest schools should re-open is September. They also want national examinations pushed to first quarter of 2021. They also want at least 15 learners per classroom while ensuring a 1.5 metre-apart seating arrangement and constant supply of running water and soap for hand washing.

President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the Ministry of Education to fast-track consultations and provide an appropriate calendar for the gradual resumption of education.

“We need to create awareness. The campaign on hygiene and safety should be expanded,” Dr Wakiaga said.

This came as calls for the government to re-open the economy are increasing.