Teachers Service Commission (TSC) directed all teachers to report to work by tomorrow and start taking part in making adequate arrangements for reopening. It’s not clear how the teachers will prepare schools for safe for resumption.
The teachers who spoke to The Blackboard were confused on who will be responsible for cleaning the schools in preparation for reopening as majority of institutions are bushy and dirty.
Majority of the schools do not have non-teaching staff charged with cleaning the institutions. They rely on students to clean their dormitories, classrooms, sweep the compound, clean staffroom and wash toilets. Sadly the students are on holiday and are expected to report to clean schools.
“Who will clean the classrooms? Who will clean desks and arrange them, dormitories, toilets and clear bushes? Is the Ministry of Education expecting teachers to do that when we report next week?” a teacher asked
TSC through a circular dated 21st September 2020 to all regional directors, county and sub county directors asked teachers to take part in making adequate arrangements for reopening of schools, including ensuring that classes are clean.
“Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure thorough cleaning of classrooms, offices, dormitories, school amenities and ensure that the same are in habitable conditions for learners,” says part of the circular.
On Saturday, the TSC director of communications Beatrice Wababu said the directives to teachers were clear and they should prepare schools for reopening.
“Teachers roles were well-described in the circular,” she said. No more light was shed in her statements on whether teachers will be involved in the clean-up exercise.
Schools never employ staff to clear the bushes or sweep the compound as that is left to the learners as a way of grooming them to be responsible people in future.
Before schools are reopened, head teachers are required to ensure schools are cleaned, sanitized, and desks rearranged to meet ministry of health guidelines on Covid-19.