Affected schools advised to contact department

SCHOOLS affected by the election should report to the Education Department for further direction, Education Minister Jimmy Uguro says.
Uguro said this when responding to questions from The National yesterday relating to whether the affected schools would resume classes today.
He said those schools, especially in the highlands and some parts of the coastal region, must report the issues to their education boards in consultation with the department. Uguro said election disruptions should not be an excuse for classes to be delayed, all schools must resume as scheduled in the education calendar.
“We expect all schools throughout the country to start on time as scheduled by the school calendar for the year, and those schools who feel insecure should report quickly so the provincial boards can advise the schools accordingly in consultation with the department,” he said. Uguro said if schools’ facilities were used for counting, these must be reported to the provincial education boards so authorities could make necessary decisions.
“Teachers and students must refrain from being involved in the election as it is unhealthy for the schools, organisation and the structures because our children’s future is important,” he said.
Uguro challenged election managers, officials and the candidates not to interfere with school programmes.
He said schools must not be affected by the election outcomes and school grounds must not be battlefields for election-related arguments and everyone must respect schools’ properties because they cost thousands to build.
“I call on all schools to attend classes and observe the education calendar, especially in the highlands and in the coastal regions who are affected,” he said.