Contradictory JSS guidelines Raise Concerns
Teso South MP, Mary Emaase, has raised concerns over the Junior Secondary School (JSS) guidelines released by the Ministry of Education, highlighting a contradicting aspect.
Guideline 8.6(i) states that the provision of school meals in JSS will be the responsibility of parents or guardians, which Emaase says the ministry should take action to address.
She submitted her question to Parliament and Education CS Ezekiel Machogu is expected to respond through the departmental committee on education.
However, Guideline 8 also states that the leadership of JSS will ensure that no learner drops out of school as a result of failure to pay lunch program fees.
Emaase urged the ministry to devise means to ensure children from needy backgrounds remain in school since in most schools, lunch program fees are nearly Ksh 15,000 per term.
In January, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said the guidelines would provide necessary information for the effective implementation of JSS across the country.
The guideline outlines how school managers and officials will facilitate a seamless transition from Primary School (Grade 6) to JSS.
It also emphasizes the need for adequate, appropriate, and safe physical infrastructure and learner-friendly environments for all, including those with disabilities.
Emaase’s concern stems from the contradiction between guidelines 8.6(i) and 8, which she says will make it difficult for children from needy backgrounds to access education.
The provision of school meals should not be the responsibility of parents or guardians, as not all of them can afford it.
The guideline that the leadership of JSS will ensure that no learner drops out of school as a result of failure to pay lunch program fees should be implemented to prevent such situations.
The MP’s call for action from the ministry is necessary to ensure that the JSS guidelines are inclusive and cater to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
By devising means to ensure that children from needy backgrounds remain in school, the government will be fulfilling its mandate to provide equal education opportunities to all.
The implementation of adequate, appropriate, and safe physical infrastructure and learner-friendly environments for all, including those with disabilities, as outlined in the guideline, will also go a long way in ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
The response of Education CS Ezekiel Machogu through the departmental committee on education will be eagerly awaited by stakeholders in the education sector.
Contradictory JSS guidelines Raise Concerns
