Creative arts and sports could soon earn teachers promotion

Kisumu Boys on stage during Kenya National Music Festival at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret on August 13, 2024. [Peter Ochieng,Standard] Participation in creative arts and sports could soon earn teachers promotion, it has emerged. Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said tutors who spend their time training and preparing learners to participate in co-curricular activities will earn points and promotion progressively. This comes at a time when teacher's unions and the National Assembly Committee on Education led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly have been pushing for progressive promotion of teachers. Teachers have complained of stagnation in the same job group for several years with some almost nearing retirement. Kipsang noted that the Ministry will engage with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to move teachers to the next grade. "We will discuss with the TSC how trainers supporting learners in creative arts and sports can earn points toward their continuous professional development. This is part of a broader curriculum that benefits everyone, including teachers," said Dr Kipsang. The Principal Secretary pointed out that the festival and co-curricular activities are now integral to the curriculum under creative arts. "As our young ones transition from Junior Secondary Schools to Senior Schools, creative arts and sports will be crucial pathways. We need to incorporate this into formative assessments. This means that students in Grade 4 will start building skills that will be evaluated in Grade 9," Kipsang added. Dr Kipsang reaffirmed the government's commitment to preparing students for future transitions as Kenya's educational system continues to evolve. "We are dedicated to ensuring that our learners are well-prepared for their next steps, whether in creative arts or other fields," he said. Mandera South MP Haro Abdul underscored the profound changes unfolding within Kenya's educational landscape. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the critical role that teachers play and a broader commitment to nurturing creative talents among students. The Mandera lawmaker praised the government's dedication to teachers, emphasizing their irreplaceable role in shaping young minds. "No one can remunerate the time spent preparing learners by our teachers," said Abdul. "The only reward is to ensure that the government allocates Sh10 billion in the TSC budget to implement the full part of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for our teachers.'' Abdul who was representing the Education Committee of the National Assembly noted the festival's international dimension, showcasing performances from diverse cultures including India, France, Korea, and Italy. "The internationalization of the event and the powerful performances are critical. The talents we are nurturing today will not only captivate local audiences but also resonate on a global stage," he said. The PS further said the government will ensure there is inclusivity in education as learners transition to senior secondary for their pathways. "Investing in special needs education ensures that all learners are given equal opportunities. Our diverse learners have shown that, given the chance, they can achieve remarkable things," Kipsang said. Dr Kipsang also discussed the festival's evolution, noting its expansion beyond mere entertainment. "This year's festival introduced a conference format where we not only watch performances but also share knowledge and advance research," he said. During the festival, there was an exhibition of musical instruments from diverse communities. The PS stressed that understanding and appreciating musical heritage is vital for learners across the country. "The exhibitions on musical instruments are particularly important. Many youths today are unfamiliar with the origins and significance of these instruments. Most students may not fully grasp or engage with the instruments used in our music. The exhibitions will help perpetuate this knowledge, deepen their appreciation of our culture, and provide valuable insights from research experts," he added.

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Creative arts and sports could soon earn teachers promotion

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