Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi has advocated for a holistic approach that prioritises teacher motivation and commitment to address significant educational challenges.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with over 500 teachers at the St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School, the legislator cited the declining performance, teacher demotivation, high school dropout rates, overcrowded classrooms, and limited parental involvement as some of the challenges facing the education sector in the coastal region.
Mwinyi said teachers play a fundamental role in nation-building by shaping the intellectual, social and moral character of students.
Teachers’ work, he noted, does not stop at delivering lessons. They also nurture future leaders, innovators and responsible citizens.
“A motivated teacher can turn an underperforming student into a high achiever, while a disengaged one can contribute to declining academic standards,” stated the MP.
He promised to support teachers in their duties to churn out learners who will transform the country. Learners were urged to be disciplined and respect their teachers.
The MP advocated for life skills lessons outside of the normal school programme to guide students in real-life situations, with schools being encouraged to nurture role models to inspire learners.
“Our teachers sometimes used to take five to ten minutes before the lessons to give us life lessons. They gave us impactful life advice. The lessons are now missing; nowadays teachers go straight to their subjects,” he said.
Airport MCA Ibrahim Omondi encouraged parents to invest in their children’s education to enjoy the fruits of education in the future.
Nicholas Kaito, Assistant County Commissioner, said the government has brought to force a multi-agency approach in combating drug abuse among students.
Dan Aloo, KNUT Kilindini SG, appealed to Parliament to ensure the timely disbursement of capitation. “Two weeks before schools are opened, funds should be disbursed,” said Aloo.
Linet Khamadi, SG KUPPET Mombasa Chapter, lauded the MP for prioritising education and the involvement of teachers.
“Teachers are the drivers of the education sector. If you bring a child to school without a teacher, the child would be wasting time,” said Khamadi.
Timely disbursement of capitation, she said, will streamline learning by ensuring retention of learners, payment of utilities and salaries of subordinate staff.
Sub-County Director of Education Fatuma Omara said the county has inadequate teaching staff, high poverty levels, and drug and substance abuse affecting performance in examinations.
“Most of the cases we handle at our schools are smoking bhang, khat and students engaging in crimes when they leave school. For instance, in last year’s KCSE, a few students did their examinations in prisons. How do we expect performance in such situations?” she asked.
Most of the teachers at JSS, she revealed, are demotivated as they are expected to teach in senior schools.
By Sadik Hassan
