Shimo la Tewa sets pace in students polls

By Ngumbao Kithi

The Shimo La Tewa School in Mombasa has become the first to conducted democratic elections for the student council.

The school principal, Juma Mshimu said there are 19 positions to be fought through a democratic process. The positions include the school chairman and a deputy who were initially referred to as captains.

In the elections Christopher Mwangata and Innocent Engodi were elected to the posts. The post of Academic Secretary went to Wesonga Bernard while that of Students’ Welfare Secretary (formerly dinning hall captain) went to Mwachimako Said. Mwathonga Mwandege is Said’s deputy.

The elected students were given two weeks to campaign and explain the various changes they would push for enactment in the school management.

"The students were given time to apply and undergo a process before those who qualified were allowed to contest," he added.

The candidates had to present agents and a presiding officer while the teachers were the counting officials.

In the new system of student leadership the tags of prefects or captions were shed off in favour of secretaries.

Change from the past

Mr Mshimu said the school has a population of 835 students and that the student leaders democratically chosen would be given authority to manage student affairs.

"The students were given opportunity to sell their policies and how they want the management of the school changed," he said. "Some of the students who are in Form Three were being opposed by students in Form One."

This is a change from the system where teachers would sit alone and appoint a team of student leaders.