Homa Bay Parents Urge Education Ministry to Lift Ban on Holiday Tuition Amid Falling Standards

Homa Bay parents are calling on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to lift the ban on holiday tuition, citing concerns over declining educational standards since the prohibition was implemented. The ban, which was enacted over a decade ago, has sparked significant debate among educators, parents, and policymakers.

Concerns Over Declining Performance

Peter Oduor, a local parent, voiced his concerns, stating, “Nyanza region used to perform well and lead in national examinations, but the culture started dying gradually when holiday tuition was outlawed.” Oduor believes that holiday tuition creates valuable time for remedial teaching, balancing the needs of both slow and fast learners.

Mary Adhiambo, another concerned parent, emphasized the benefits of holiday tuition for slow learners. She remarked, “Holiday tuition enables teachers to spend time with the slow learners so that results improve.” Similarly, John Opondo highlighted the success of holiday tuition in various countries, including Tanzania, Cambodia, Japan, and South Africa, arguing that Kenya should not be an exception.

Disruptions in the Academic Year

The current academic year has been fraught with interruptions, including the recent El-Nino and Generation Z anti-Financial Bill protests. These disruptions have further strained the education system, making it challenging for teachers to complete the syllabus in time for national examinations. Oduor pointed out that allowing willing teachers to conduct holiday tuition could help mitigate these issues and ensure that students are adequately prepared.

KEEP READING: Teachers Issue Fresh Strike Threat Over Unpaid Salary Increments

Preventing Negative Behavior

Paul Agome, another parent, highlighted an additional benefit of holiday tuition: keeping children occupied and away from negative influences. He noted, “Both public and private holiday tuition used to bar our children from indulging in bad habits like drug abuse because they were kept busy.”

Government’s Stance and Historical Context

The government initially outlawed holiday tuition to prevent the financial exploitation of parents by teachers and to avoid overburdening students, allowing them time to rest. However, the call from Homa Bay parents suggests that the unintended consequences of this ban may outweigh its initial benefits.

Upcoming August Holidays

With the August holidays set to begin this week and last for three weeks, the debate over holiday tuition is particularly timely. Parents are hopeful that the MoE will reconsider its stance and allow for a structured and beneficial holiday tuition program to help bridge the gap in educational performance.

Looking Ahead

As national examinations approach, the call for holiday tuition is gaining momentum. Parents and educators alike are urging the government to take a proactive approach in addressing the current educational challenges. By lifting the ban on holiday tuition, they believe that the MoE can help restore the region’s academic excellence and provide students with the support they need to succeed.

In conclusion, the debate over holiday tuition in Kenya reflects broader concerns about educational quality and equity. As stakeholders continue to voice their opinions, it remains to be seen how the Ministry of Education will respond to these pressing issues.

KEEP READING: Rising Suicide Cases in Kenya: Lakeside University Student's Tragic Death Highlights Deepening Crisis