As schools across Kenya prepare to close for the August holiday this week, parents and educators are facing heightened concerns over student safety amid ongoing anti-government protests led by Generation Z.
The second term, marred by disruptions from the protests demanding better governance and accountability, has ended, leading into a three-week holiday from August 2 to August 25.
This break comes at a time of significant unrest, raising worries about the potential dangers students may face outside the structured environment of school.
National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa urged parents to remain vigilant during this period, emphasizing the need to protect children from the risks associated with protests, as well as other dangers such as drugs, bad company, and crime.
“We are going for the holidays at a very delicate time and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the children are safe not just from the protest but also drugs, bad company, and even crime,” Obuhatsa stated.
Following the August break, students will return for the last term of the 2024 academic calendar, which will run for nine weeks from August 26 to October 25.
This term will be crucial as it leads up to key examinations, including the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) from October 28-31, and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams from November 4 to November 22.
The extended holiday period, spanning from October 28 to January 3, 2025, will provide a significant break for students.
However, the immediate concern for parents and school authorities is ensuring the safety and well-being of students during the upcoming August holiday amid the ongoing unrest in various parts of the country.
Obuhatsa’s call for vigilance reflects a broader anxiety shared by many in the education sector.
The protests, led primarily by younger citizens, have highlighted deep-seated frustrations with the current government, but they also pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of communities.
Schools, often seen as safe havens, will be closed, leaving students more vulnerable to the surrounding environment.
As families navigate this challenging period, the role of parents and guardians becomes even more critical.
Ensuring that children are engaged in safe, productive activities can help mitigate some of the risks.
Community leaders and local organizations are also expected to play a role in providing safe spaces and programs to keep young people occupied and away from potential harm.
The upcoming term, crucial for academic progression and national assessments, will demand a focused and secure environment for students to prepare effectively.
Therefore, the actions taken by parents, educators, and community leaders during this holiday period will be vital in safeguarding the future of Kenya’s youth.
Add Comment