- It is presumed, and wrongly so, that accidents just happen and therefore trying to prevent them would be a futile exercise.
- The truth of the matter is that accidents are caused by certain definable factors that can be prevented.
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The painful death of 21 pupils at Hillside Endarasha Academy following a fire incident shows the safety of learners in institutions has been neglected.
It is presumed, and wrongly so, that accidents just happen and therefore trying to prevent them would be a futile exercise.
The truth of the matter is that accidents are caused by certain definable factors that can be prevented.
The main causes of accidents in schools are human related, that is, they are caused through carelessness, inattentiveness, ignorance, irresponsibility, or negligence on the part of the learners, staff or other stakeholders in general.
Security expert George Musamali explains that the arsons in learning institutions can be resolved using three approaches.
The approaches, he said, are security, safety and social.
He says it is a security challenge because the State has failed to enforce available safety and security standards that aim at ensuring that learners are safe.
“We are depending so much on head teachers to do everything yet they are not experts. If you look at the standardisation document, it clearly spells out what needs to be done to ensure safety in school,” Musamali states.
He blames the Ministry of Education for not conducting inspections to ensure that the standards have been enforced.
Musamali explains that poorly constructed classrooms and playing grounds, inadequate and inappropriate desks and other furniture can be a source of insecurity for learners.
“If you go to some of the dormitories you will realise that they are not adhering to the safety standards that are there. Parents also don’t bother to look at the safety standards available when they enroll their children at school,” he added.
The Ministry of Education Safety Manual underscores the Government’s commitment to the safety and overall welfare of learners and especially children.
According to the manual, safe and secure school environments facilitate quality teaching and learning in educational institutions.
It mandates the head teacher to ensure proper implementation of school safety policies by coordinating all phases of programme implementation.
Disaster risk education specialist Edward Wanyonyi calls for the review of the safety standards manual before ensuring that it is strictly enforced.
He says contractors have failed to strictly adhere to the standards when doing construction works at schools by using substandard materials which have endangered the lives of learners.
“When building tenders are awarded, contractors opt for the cheapest material at a cheaper cost. They decide to ignore materials like fire-resistant paint that can stop fire from spreading,” Wanyonyi explains.
On his part, National Parents Association chairperson Silas Obuhatsa has raised concern that some schools are denying parents the opportunity to assess the safety of learning institutions when they admit their children.
He however encourages parents and guardians to take a keen interest in the safety of their children and to be vigilant against practices that constitute child abuse.
“Parents should be allowed to access school infrastructure. They should be allowed into the dormitories, kitchen and other areas without being restricted. This will help them give recommendations on improving safety,” Obuhatsa states.
The responsibilities of a teacher in charge of school safety include; liaising with other teachers on matters relating to school safety and identifying the potential safety hazards in the school with a view to taking corrective measures, either directly or through the committee.
Other responsibilities are sensitising learners, staff, parents and community members regularly on issues relating to child safety and keeping accurate and up-to-date records of incidents relating to School Safety.