Ijara Member of Parliament (MP), Abdi Ali sheikhow, has promised to continue funding Secondary education in his Constituency through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) by setting aside Sh. 50m annually towards the sector.
Sheikhow noted that the move will relieve parents from the heavy financial burden, adding that since learning in the seven secondary schools in Ijara Constituency, Garissa County was made free, progress has been recorded in the national examination occasioning improved performance in various schools.
Deputy – County Director of Education, Mr Ibrahim Odowa, commended the political leadership in the Sub-county including the MP,Ali Sheikhow, Garissa Senator, Abdul Mohamed Haji ,Garissa Governor, Nathif Jama and his Deputy, Abdi , as well as support from the Director General, National Intelligence Services, Noor Haji, who hails from the area.
Mr Odowa at the same time lauded the role played by National and County Departmental Heads led by Ijara Deputy County Commissioner, Mr Wachira Champon, who ensured the examination was completed without major challenges, saying the security apparatus went beyond their limit to guard the exams in dangerous and disturbed areas, particularly along the Kenya-Somali border.
However, Parents have raised concern over the commitment by some school Board of management (BOM) Members, citing Yussuf Haji Girls Secondary and Shurie Secondary School Board of Governors (BOM).
The parents complain that some of the BOM members are either not in Masalani Constituency or have no pupils schooling in the schools or are learning in other schools yet they are part of the school management.
They called for changeover of school Boards every three years as per regulations in order to have good management that would champion the interest of the schools, they serve in order to improve on the academic performances.
The parents noted challenges facing schools such as indiscipline, poor academic performance and the general welfare of learners, including availability of laboratory, reading materials, books and adequate teachers.
By Mohamed Dahir
