Students address funding, teacher stagnation at Nairobi Music Festival

Karen Girls's students rehearsing during the Nairobi Region Music Festivals at Pangani Girls High School. [File, Standard] As the curtain came down at the Nairobi Region Music Festival last week, students highlighted issues affecting their teachers. Top on the list was under-funding and delayed disbursement of funds to schools as well as inadequate infrastructure. Learners also staged plays that urged parents not to rely solely on government support and instead to invest in insurance to safeguard their future. Issues of intern teachers also surfaced at the junior secondary level, with students advocating for their employment. Kariobangi South Primary School students stated, "Teachers instil not only knowledge but also ethical values and keep improving lifelong learning. They need to be motivated." Through the School Equipment Production Unit theme, learners raised their concerns about the lack of adequate facilities in their schools. "SEPU is a one-stop shop for quality resources for teaching, learning and innovation in sciences.' Beyond financial constraints, the festival addressed deeper challenges affecting teachers, including demotivation due to stagnant job growth and harassment, which adversely impact teacher performance. Under the theme, "A motivated, ethical, and globally competitive teacher," sponsored by the Teachers Service Commission, students called for better support and recognition for teachers, emphasizing their crucial role in nurturing talents. "When teachers stagnate in the same job group, it dampens their spirits," lamented students in a song. "Despite their efforts in nurturing our talents, they face obstacles that hinder their effectiveness." Another line stated, "Instead of us celebrating the teachers' ability to identify and nurture our abilities, we drag them out of schools for poor performance." Schools that addressed this theme included Nairobi School, Precious Blood Riruta, Kamiti Secondary, The Kenya High, Parklands Arya Girls, Moi Forces Academy, Precious Blood Riruta, Moi Girls Nairobi, Kianda School, and St. George's Girls. The new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was particularly praised for empowering students to explore their full potential across various learning areas and pathways, promoting creativity and innovation. Several schools, among them Moi Girls Nairobi, Pangani Girls, Karen C, Apostolic Carmel Girls, Highridge Girls, and St. Theresa's Girls, participated in elocution performances, showcasing their talents and expressing gratitude for the new curriculum introduced by the government. "My Golden Talent," performed by Lavington Girls, highlighted the impetus that CBC has brought into learners' lives to unleash their potential. Other thematic classes in the festival include the Office of Data Protection Commission, Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Services (KUCCPS), on career guidance leading to placement in universities and colleges. Participants also addressed campaigns and initiatives by Brooke East Africa, the National Tuberculosis Program, Kenya Wildlife Services, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and the National Counter Terrorism Center. The "I See You" campaign by AA Kenya aimed to enhance road safety by providing reflective materials to school-going children, ensuring they are visible to drivers during early morning commuters. The campaign also involved training students on road safety practices, understanding road signs, and improving road infrastructure around schools, such as zebra crossing markings and installing road signage. According to Prof. Charles Ong'ondo, the chief executive of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the CBC aims to foster creativity and imagination across basic and tertiary education. "Every learner possesses unique social, constructive, expressive, and artistic abilities," said Prof. Ong'ondo. Prof. Ong'ondo further said the new curriculum has promoted creativity and imagination across educational levels, essential for holistic development alongside core competencies and subject knowledge. "The integration of the senior school, Creative Arts as well as Arts and Sports pathways in the curriculum at the senior school is key in promoting innovations in various fields," he said. He underscored the role of parents and stakeholders in fostering creativity among learners, enabling them to thrive in diverse fields. "Parents, the school community, and other stakeholders have a role in promoting creativity in learners," said Prof. Ong'ondo, adding that this is linked to other core competencies, subject knowledge, skills, and values. Nairobi Region Director of Education Margaret Lesuuda stated that the festival celebrated talent, but also advocated for well-rounded individuals. "Music is not just an art form; it is an essential component of a well-rounded education. Music teaches discipline, patience, and perseverance - qualities that are invaluable in all areas of life," she said.

Students address funding, teacher stagnation at Nairobi Music Festival

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