TSC Circular on Learner Safety in Educational Institutions

The Teachers’ Service Commission has issued a circular regarding safe environment for learning which will inturn ensures the overall development of a learner and, in turn, ensuring academic excellence. The Teachers Service Commission believes in creating a favorable learning environment by inculcating the constitutional provisions and the relevant legislation. Indeed, the Kenyan Constitution, the TSC Act of 2012, and the Education Act stipulate, by Article 53, the way to go on this issue and protect learners from all forms of cruelty and inhumane treatment or punishment. These are legal frameworks, just like any other, that ensure that such rights of the children taken care of by them are not breached and that their safety at large is guaranteed in their places of study.

Critical Areas of Attention for Learner Safety

1. Bullying: There should be zero tolerance for bullying in schools; it may be physical, verbal, or psychological harassment. The punishing of students by other students should be done away with, and instead, all the disciplinary cases should be channeled to the heads.
2. Corporal Punishment: Corporal punishment is strictly a no-go zone. Teachers who practice corporal punishment on their learners shall be liable to disciplinary or legal action. Making torture sticks or any other teaching aid meant for punishment is also professional misconduct.
3. Retention/Expulsion of Pupils and Students: No student should be forced to repeat the class levels of the previous years since this is against the Basic Education Act. Learners will instead be supported so that they can transition to the class levels of the rest of the classes and complete every learning cycle. Schools should give remedial support to enable children who underperform to come to the level of their class.
4. Holiday Tuition: Schools must follow very closely the term dates as prescribed by the Ministry of Education. No child should be kept at school because the holidays are a need for tuition, or no child should be required to come back to school before the official opening of the term. This gives children enough rest and time with their family for personal development.
5. Prescribed Learning Hours: Must ensure that learners’ prescribed report and leave times are followed. Consistency in the delivery of education is critical to good performance and health.
6. Safety Standards: Physical facilities of schools, such as classrooms, dormitories, and playgrounds, have to provide an excellent learning atmosphere. These safety features may also be acquired by inspection and ensured regular maintenance.
7. Sexual Abuse: The concerned authorities should investigate, document, and take necessary action on any sexual abuse cases immediately in schools and society. Headteachers and teachers should be responsible and ensure the safety of the learners not being exposed to sexual abuse while at the school.
8. Drug and Substance Abuse: Schools must be strict on the use of drugs and substances by learners. Step-up guidance and counseling programs that sensitize the learner, parent, and guardian on the dangers of drug or substance abuse.
9. Harmful Cultural Practices: The school head should work hand in hand with the police officer in charge on issues to do with harmful cultural practices, such as child labor, early marriages, and exploitation, which affect the well-being of the learner as well as their progress in academics.

Implementation and Monitoring

An environment that prioritizes the mentioned issues and puts in place suitable policies and interventions, which are supposed to be developed further for school, is going to be supportive and safe for the learner, resulting in the ability to thrive well in their academics and socio-emotionally. The TSC shall, from time to time, monitor the compliance of the guidelines by the institutions and take appropriate action against any violations to ensure adequate protection and healthy being of learners. Schools should try to inculcate an all-inclusive culture by which every learner coming into the school is accorded respect for their rights, developing them to their fullest potential. Regular training and awareness programs at schools will generally prepare teachers, students, and parents to create such safe and nurturing educational environments.