Pupils of populated school to learn in shifts

Pupils of Arunda Primary School in Homa Bay Sub-county at the parade, yesterday. [James Omoro, Standard]

A densely populated primary school in Homa Bay Sub-county is considering learning in shifts.

Arunda Primary School has more than 1,000 pupils with only 10 classrooms. 

The acute shortage of classrooms has now made school management consider learning in shifts to prevent Covid-19 infections. Headteacher Fred Kayaga said it was impossible for all pupils to learn in the school that has 10 classrooms at a go.

“Learning in shifts is the only way we can salvage the situation. Pupils of Grade Four, classes five and six will be in school in the afternoon. Those in grades one, two and three will be in school in the morning,” said Kayaga.

However, pupils in Standard Seven and Eight will not be subjected to learning in shifts.

Meanwhile, pupils and teachers of Simbi Primary School in Rachuonyo North Sub-county yesterday had to do without latrines after they were submerged by waters from Lake Victoria. Headteacher Washington Akuno said the school was also in dire need of classrooms.

“We lack clean water, our water tank was destroyed by people who camped in the school when floods affected their homes last year,” he said.

At the same time, pupils at Sosit Primary School in Bureti Constituency were yesterday sent home to fetch water for handwashing and cleaning classrooms.

“Schools in the area are inadequately prepared for reopening due to lack of water in the face of Covid-19,” said Kenneth Chelule, an old boy from the school.