It has been suggested that 70% of indiscipline in schools is a reflection of poor and irresponsible parenting.
Over the past four years more than 250 schools have suffered some form of arson by students, mostly in secondary schools. They have burnt down their classes, offices, dining halls and dormitories. Property worth millions of shillings has been destroyed by school fires since the post election violence in 2007/2008. In some cases students lose teaching hours but sadly more than 300 secondary schools have been forced to close prematurely over the fires. Both scenarios cause irredeemable damage to the student's learning schedules.
The wrongdoers in cases of school unrest, violence or strikes are always students. Whereas the students bear the blame, parents shoulder the financial burden of rebuilding dormitories, classrooms, administration blocks and other facilities destroyed during the violence. Yet every indicator of the root cause of indiscipline in schools points towards the head teacher. Their dysfunctional and compromised leadership style results in frustration and disappointment of either the school staff or students or both . In the first instance the disaffected staff incite the students as a way of hitting back at the head teacher. The result is the same in the latter instance, that is, destruction. Students commit arson for two major reasons – to punish the head of school and to be sent home. In fact closing schools is the best reward.
When a principal fails to satisfy students’ needs, when he fails to provide effective and quality service, when he fails to manage students’ grievances intelligently, there will be trouble in school.
We know also that everything including limited resources in schools generates discipline issues in varying degrees. Teachers, physical resources, financial resources and the curriculum implementation contribute to discipline problems.
It has been suggested that 70% of indiscipline in schools is a reflection of poor and irresponsible parenting. This is seen in many disciplinary meetings in schools where most parents will side with and support their children even when it is clear that the children have been involved in criminal conduct such as theft, drug trafficking and usage, assault or arson.
Professor Patrick Kafu and students’ dean D M Mureithi of Moi University campus faculty of education are of the opinion that overemphasis in examination results has closed doors for dialogue, discussions or debates with students on school affairs. Contrary to the popular belief that mobile phone networks and drug abuse are major causes of strikes in schools, indeed violence in schools is the reflection of the society. Schools are mirrors of society. Change the society and the schools will change.
Patrick Birgen
Patrick is the Editor and Managing Director of Image Books Ltd., publishers of Education Insight, Travel Roundabout East Africa and several educational books on a range of topics including performance management and strategic planning. He is also a former PR Director of the Teachers Service Commission.
Website: www.educationinsight.netLatest from Patrick Birgen
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