By Tony Wafula
The County Government of Busia has embarked on the construction of an additional 175 new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms across the 35 wards in a bid to reduce overcrowding in existing centres.
The initiative, a key mandate of the devolved unit, aims at improving access to early learning for all children regardless of location, promoting equity and enhancing working conditions for ECDE teachers.
In his address to the media on Tuesday, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera revealed that the project highlights the broader progress the administration has made under the devolved function.
“The school meals and nutrition programmes in all public ECDE centres launched last year is a boost for learners, particularly in rural and food insecure areas. We have also employed ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms thus promoting job security and professionalism,” he said.
Additionally, Odera noted that the County Government has trained 986 teachers, supported Special Needs Education through assistive materials and inclusive infrastructure adaptations and enhanced data management and policy development to ensure quality and accountability in ECDE and vocational training.
Other initiatives include equipping ECDE centres with child-friendly furniture and learning materials, digital learning roll-out, issued bursaries and scholarships to bright and needy learners.
Once completed, the 175 classrooms will tally at 444 with plans to construct a minimum of 350 more in the next two years.
On his part, Nambale deputy county commissioner (DCC) Caroline Onchoka urged parents to take their responsibility seriously on matters of education.
“I am disappointed that some parents have abandoned their roles to the government yet educating our children is supposed to be co-owned. Let’s provide all that is needed of us for a holistic provision of education,” Onchoka said.
