Learners need emotional support more than ever

Children at Mama Ngina Children's Home in Nairobi prepare to depart for boarding school in Bungoma. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

As learners settle in their new school routines following the disruptions of 2020, extra care must be taken to ensure they are not just continuing with their educational journeys, but that they also receive support for their mental and emotional well being, education experts say.

It has been wonderful to welcome our students back. The energy is palpable and the excitement clear. However, we are aware of the fact that 2020 took its toll on everyone, not least schoolchildren, and that they return after a year that for many would have been traumatic, frustrating, lonely and isolating.