Monday, October 15, 2012

Teachers, Gvt told to dialogue over strike

By Eugene Omilo
A charity organization in Mombasa has called on the government to initiate and fast track dialogue with the teachers’ unions to stop the ongoing strike that has nearly paralyzed learning in public schools countrywide.

Shariff Nassir Foundation chairman Mr. Abdullswamad Nassir said if not addressed in time, the stalemate might lead to a generational catastrophe as many able students stand to miss out on university admissions next year because of poor preparations.

“We are particularly concerned by candidates in Mombasa county. Their performance over the years has not been impressive and this strike might disadvantage them further considering most of them attend public schools,” said Mr. Nassir.

Mr. Nassir was speaking in Mombasa yesterday after visiting students attending free tuition classes offered by the foundation in collaboration with Istiqama Tuition centre.

He said the foundation is in talks with more well wishers to expand the programme so that more candidates can be accommodated.
More than 2000 students from mostly Mombasa Island and a few from Kilifi and Kaloleni have enrolled for the coaching sessions which began on Tuesday.

Istiqama director Mwenye Omar said there is need for communities to improvise alternative teaching mediums to help candidates in public schools remain at par with their counterparts in private schools during the strike period.

He said the institution’s two centres in Shika Adabu in Likoni and the other one within the Island are overwhelmed as more students turn up for the programme.

Mr. Nassir said his organization has prepared enough revision materials for the students should the strike persist.

“We have contracted qualified teachers from private schools within Mombasa who come to teach in turns,” he said adding that all subjects are taught to the students.

He said the available places have been reserved for exam sitting classes only.

Ends…

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