The Ministry of Education has issued new guidelines directing school head teachers and principals not to charge parents fees for co-curricular activities.
On November 5th, the Ministry sent out a circular to all heads of secondary schools and primary schools outlining guidelines on how school managements should factor budgets for co-curricular activities with the funding provided.
The guidelines spelled out by Education Principal Secretary Dr.Belio Kipsang reiterated that parents should not be compelled to raise money for co-curricular activities at any level.
In the guidelines, the Ministry says money used to facilitate travel, accommodation and subsistence for the students participating in the co-curricular activities should be drawn from the funds given to schools by the government.
In the past, parents have been footing expenses for co-curricular activities which also included stipends for drama and music judges, game-referees, adjudicators and other officials involved in the activities.
The Ministry also directed the formation of co-curricular management committees at regional, county and sub county levels which will be mandated to ensure accountability and transparency in management of the activities.
“The committees will have representatives drawn from Kenya Primary Schools Heads association (Kepsha), Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), the education director at every level and Quality Assurance and Standards officer,” the guidelines provide.
Dr.Kipsang further said every level of education is to facilitate itself without seeking support from others, in particular, lower levels.
The PS underscored the importance of co-curricular activities saying the new curriculum has considered talent development as an important component that will enable learners to realize holistic education by developing skills, values and knowledge that will help them to become productive members of the society
The co-curricular activities funded by the government include primary, secondary and special needs schools games, sports, music and drama festivals and science and engineering fairs.
By: Bernard Munyao.
