REPORT ON ATTITUDE OF EDUCTION IN YENZUVA SUB-LOCATION
INTRODUCTION:
Yenzuva Sublocation is in Thaana Nzau Location in Mwingi District. Currently, after Mwingi District was subdivided into 2 other Districts, Yenzuva is now in Migwani District. It has a population of about 2457 comprising 1123 males and 1334 females as per the latest statistics. There are 456 households.
EDUCATION SECTOR
The area has two primary schools and one secondary school. The former have around 600 pupils and the latter 100 students. This represents almost 25% of the total population. It’s therefore not a good representation although facts indicate that most parents don’t take their kids to Yenzuva primary and Manii primary because there are neighbouring schools around the homesteads near the borders of Yenzuva Sub-location hence they opt to take their children to the near schools. This means that about 75% attend lessons in Mumboni and Winzyeei primary schools owing to the distance and nearness of the same schools.
There’s a private school offering Nursery level of Education and 3 public Nursery schools. All these join the nearby schools for primary education.
An adult class with 44 learners offers services to 38 women and 6 men at Yenzuva primary school. Majority of the Adults are illiterate. Therefore there’s need to encourage them to attend classes for basic literacy.
GRADUATES
There are 46 teachers who possess P1 certificate and 25 with Diplomas and Degrees. This still poses a great challenge as many grandaunts from form four don’t proceed to university The P1 certificate holders represent a mere 1.8% and the degree/Diploma holders represent almost 1.01% of the Total population. This doesn’t give a good picture on education matters in the region although comparatively, it could be better than other area of the district.
Below is a breakdown of people working in various areas of the country.
- Police 8
- Navy 5
- Army 7
- Agriculture 6
- Health 8
- Prison 4
- Game Wardens 4
- Teaching 46
- Administration police 5
- Clerks 7
- Chiefs 1
- Sub-Chief 1
- TOTAL 101
From the above, it can be seen that only 4.1% of the total population is working in different fields. 96% are not working and majorities are dependants. However, a few are engaged in other income generating activities privately.
GENERAL ATTITUDE ON EDUCATION
Going down the history line, Yenzuva primary school was started in the 70s and used to produce good pupils who could join good secondary schools in the country. The percentages given above comprise some of the former students of Yenzuva primary. However, with time, that trend took another course and the zeal started going down. A few of the homesteads know the importance of education and have taken their children to good schools. With the introduction of free primary education, most parents have responded positively towards the same and the same case with secondary schools. Nevertheless we have a bigger portion of the population that is still in darkness and should be assisted to see the importance of education. As a matter of fact, the general attitude of education is poor. Education standards have not risen due to the following factors namely;
- Drought/famine
- Poor fees payment
- Negative attitude on girl-child education in many homesteads.
- Lack of social amenities making graduates of the area not want to work in their home area.
- Local brew (High rates of consumption)
- Politicking and interfering with smooth running of schools.
- Rampant absenteeism of pupils/ students from schools.
- Irresponsible parents (some)
- Polygamy
- Sexual immorality among some adults.
- Boy-girl sexual relationships.
- Early pregnancy among school girls.
- Religious hypocrisy among many church goers.
- Majini issue that has encroached all sectors of the Sub-Location.
These are just a few among many other factors that have interfered with education sector. All in all, abig percentage of the population matters lightly and the love of their children towards gaining knowledge is not in their hearts.
However, a few have taken a step forward to give their children all their best.
CONCLUSION:
There’s need for all the stake holders to take education more seriously. Most parents think that they are poor hence relax on education of their children. To them, it’s hard to sell cattle to pay school fees and most got to remain with animals at home for high status purposes at the expense of education.
The need for religious sanctity shouldn’t be overlooked. The pretence in the church has been a great disservice to the people of Yenzuva. More sacrifice is needed in order to better the future of the young generation.
Mr.Kimuli. I.K
Principal
Yenzuva