Uwezo is a forum by which assessment is done annually aimed at improving the learning section through motivational talks and promoting collection participation in making sure that we get a learned generation in the near future.
Generally, learning across the assessed region is not up to bar. This is brought about mainly by lack of qualified teachers. These teachers can either be unqualified or reluctant to do their job. Some even come to school like just in a vocation, arriving late and leaving earlier. This gives pupils a bigger task of reading for themselves.
The learning environment also can be a limiting factor. Some compounds are very untidy; this affects the process of learning. Fewer desks were noted in some schools and therefore overcrowding will probably limit the process of learning. Some desks were higher, that is the writing bar is raised, this make a pupil to stretch a lot and a lot of energy will be directed at stretching rather than getting the concepts taught.
The buildings and location of windows in classroom can either improve or limit the learning process. In most assessed schools the windows were directed to a busy road, there would occasionally disrupt the pupils attention when a person or a vehicle passes near the school. The school management should be advised to direct the windows away from the busy roads or place tinted window pane to prevent pupils from looking outside during learning periods.
Health is a major contributor to successful learning. About 75% of the assessed pupils indicated that their health is not satisfactory. A hungry pupil obviously fails in exams. Most of the time pupils yawn making the learning process difficult. Teachers should try as much to advise parents to take care of their kids’ health risk to most schools, few latrines can disturb the pupils attention, others will even be forced to run to the nearby bushes to defecate. The government should also be advised to increase the amount of funding to such schools so that more latrines will be built.
School infrastructure also should be standardized. The building should be good enough such that the pupils feel comfortable. The roads connecting the school should improve for ease accessibility of the school; this will limit lateness by pupils and teachers. Bridges connecting the schools should be built well. About 60% of the schools assessed either had pass or no bridges at all. This brings about lateness during rainy seasons and even the risking accidents and deaths.
The counties should be kept at toes to ensure that all infrastructures surrounding the school should be improved through proper disbursement of CDF funds and follow-ups that such funds are used for the rightful purpose.
Health education should be mandatory and should cut across all teachers, parents and pupils to ensure that health is maintained in all aspects. Dispensaries should be located near the school. Also county health directors should regularly visit schools to assess the level of health and make possible comments and warnings.
Teachers should purchase washing detergents to be used in washing latrines. Mothers should also be advised to take proper meals during their pregnancy periods so that healthy babies are born. Babies born with complications will obviously fail in class work. Such mothers should breastfeed their babies up to the age of 6 months for good health of the baby.
By Fred Beiye