The County Government of Narok has confirmed 843 Early Childhood Development (ECDE) teachers on a permanent and pensionable basis.
The teachers had been employed on a three year-contract that would be renewed based on their individual performance.
Narok Governor, Samuel Ole Tunai, who spoke during the Education forum held at William Ole Ntimama stadium, said the initiative aimed at boosting the teachers’ morale in shaping the future of the young children at an early age.
He said unless the foundation of the house is well laid, it is in vain to build the house hence urging the teachers, to put a good foundation to the young children.
“The teachers play a big role in the foundation of the learners, and this is a great motivation to them. We are not only confirming the terms of employment for caregivers in the County but solidifying the foundation of early education here in Narok,” added Governor Tunai.
Tunai asked the teachers to take their work seriously, saying the children were keenly following their actions lamenting some teachers were going to school very late making the children to copy their lateness.
“You as a caregiver should act as a role model to the children of this County. If you always arrive in class at 11.am, the child will think that, the official time of reporting to work. It is not what you teach that your children follow but what you do,” said Tunai.
The second time Governor reiterated that his Administration will provide porridge or milk to the young children while in school, so that they can concentrate in class and grow in health.
He reiterated that the earlier form of employing teachers on a three-year contract was very demotivating as teachers were always worried of the next move.
“I expect you (teachers) to now concentrate in class and shape the future of these young children who entirely depend on you. No one should be pushed around to do what he or she is supposed to do,” said Tunai.
The Narok Public Service Board Chairperson. John Ole Kimanjo, said the new employment terms will be effective from January 2022.
Ole Kimanjo said ECDE is an important program, which aims at ensuring all children get the best and quality education to enable them acquire lifelong adaptability, innovation, and effective communication skills.
On his part, Narok Deputy County Commissioner, Mutuku Mwenga, who represented Commissioner, Evans Achoki, said that the National Government is constructing modern classrooms in preparation for a 2023 double intake in junior secondary schools.
Also present were Narok Deputy Governor, Evalyn Aruasa, County Executive Member In-Charge of Education, Cecilia Wapari, Maasai Mara University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. James Ole Nampushi and a host of Members of County Assembly.
By Ann Salaton and Vivian Hassan
