Boni learners commence learning as others enjoy half-term breaks

Learners in terror-prone Boni Forest schools have commenced their second-term learning even as the rest of the learners continue with their half-term break in their homes.

This was after more than 20 teachers were airlifted to their respective schools via a military chopper over the weekend.

Of the five Boni schools, only Kiangwe Primary School had been open after teachers were able to travel back via boats on the Indian Ocean.

Affected schools included Milimani, Basuba, Mangai and Mararani primary schools that and remained shut since last term after teachers were unable to return to school owing to transport hitches.

Over the years, teachers in these schools have had to be airlifted to their stations after it was established that travelling by road would be a suicide mission as the road is prone to Al Shabaab attacks.

The road is currently under heavy military presence in Operation Linda Boni which is meant to flush out Al Shabaab insurgents hiding within the forest.

For their safety, the teachers also have to be put in military and security camps in the areas.

Lamu County Education Director Zachary Mutuiri confirmed that the teachers had resumed classes and that the 350 pupils in Boni Forest were in class.

“We had a few hitches transporting the teachers but that has been sorted. We appreciate the Kenya Defense Forces-KDF who provided a chopper and flew them here. Learning is on. Better late than never,” said Mutuiri.

The same was also confirmed by Lamu County Teachers Service Commission-TSC Director, Riziki Daido who revealed that all teachers were back and had since reported to their various teaching stations.

“I can confirm that they have reported back and that learning in Boni forest schools is ongoing,” said Daido.

Parents have urged the Education Ministry to ensure their children get to catch up with the term’s syllabus comprehensively seeing as they have reopened more than a month later than required.

“It’s half term yet that’s when our kids are now starting their second term learning. We hope they will be able to be brought up to speed so that they don’t miss out on anything,” said Khadija Gurba.

They lamented that their children are always missing out on learning as they always reopen late, something they said affects their general performance in national exams.

“These kids will sit the same KCPE exams as those in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya and will be expected to perform well. It’s unfair,” said Adan Mahazi.

Lamu East Deputy County Commissioner, Geroge Kubai assured the teachers, pupils and parents in Boni Forest of their security.

Kubai said special arrangements have been made to ensure the teachers and learners are well protected in all the Boni schools as learning continues.

He said National Police Reservists-NPR have been stationed within the school premises, day and night to guard the institutions and allow smooth learning to progress.

“Our teachers are well secured inside security camps. They only go out during the day to teach. We also have NPR officers in each school here. Security is okay,” said Kubai.