Members of the Boni community during a past event. [Photo/ barakafm.org]
Parents from the Boni community in Lamu County have asked the State to set up alternative learning centres so that their children can continue with their studies.They said their children’s studies have been disrupted as schools in the county remain closed. “All schools here are closed and that has been the situation for the last three or more years. We don’t know for how long the situation will go on like that. We, however, feel that the government can do something for our children to continue learning, say they can set up learning centres elsewhere and have our kids go there to learn,” said their spokesperson Sharuti Ali as quoted by the Star.“We have KCPE candidates too and we want them to excel just like other students out there so that they can later change the face of this place."We are just seeking equal opportunities for our children. They have a right to education too,” he added.The schools which have been affected are Basuba, Milimani, Mangai, Mararani, Kiangwe and Pandanguo primary schools. They all remain closed.Ali now fears that the community could become extinct in the next 50 years if there’s lack of investment in the education of the members.“We understand that only education will save the future generations of the Boni and that’s why we are rooting for an equal platform for our children,” added Godana Hawa.Education in Boni region as well as the community’s way of life have been affected due to the constant al-Shabaab attacks and the ongoing Linda Boni operation which have left schools closed down for over three years.Teachers have also fled the region thus stifling learning.