School staff training programmes now released

The Ministry of Education has released a participatory training module for staff of learning institutions on coronavirus to facilitate effective re-opening and ensure continued learning.

Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang directed that all teaching and non-teaching staff should be conversant with facts concerning Covid-19 pandemic and will be required to ensure full compliance and implementation of the guidelines and health measures.

“The Government has put in place interventions to ensure that learning continues.

This document provides guidelines and protocols to guide the Institutional Heads, teachers and support staff in facilitating effective re-opening of the Institutions and ensure continued learning,” said Kipsang, who has signed the 55-page document.

Gguidelines have been produced in collaboration with Teachers Service Commission (TSC), with Secretary Dr Nancy Macharia saying the module will not only facilitate staff in their day to day operations during the Covid-19 pandemic period but will also be a useful reference in defining the roles of each levels of staff in the learning institutions,” said Macharia.

Macharia said the module will enable heads of institutions, teachers and non- teaching staff to implement guidelines on health and hygiene measures to be put in place before opening, during opening and after re-opening of learning institutions.

She said they are a demonstration of clear understanding of facts about Covid-19 in and out of institution and will facilitate provision of mental and psycho-social support to learner, teachers and support staff during this period.

“This module will enable heads of institutions, teachers and non- teaching staff to demonstrate ability to facilitate continued learning during Covid-19 pandemic and beyond, collate and manage data on Covid-19 in the learning institutions,” she explained.

According to the protocols, training of educators on Covid-19 guidelines and health protocols enables them to serve as advocates and resources that would increase awareness and provide guidance to mitigate Covid-19 pandemic.

The module has five sections, which will guide training of heads of institutions teachers and support staff to prevent potential spread of the disease in educational institution settings and stigmatizing learners, trainees and staff that may have been exposed to the virus.

The tutors will be guided on various activities they will be expected to undertake with lea with regards to knowledge on Covid-19.

“Underscore that there is no currently specific treatment or vaccine for Covid-19 but many of the symptoms can be treated and accessing early care from a healthcare provider can make the disease less dangerous. Remind each participant to take the containment measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” the guidelines provide.

Heads of institutions will be expected to among other roles, sensitize teaching and support staff on guidelines for re-opening institutions of learning during the pandemic and beyond

Comprehensive training

They are to designate specific roles to both teaching and support staff with comprehensive training, source for adequate supply of clean and safe water, create and maintain serviceable numerous strategic water points and procure thermo guns for checking temperature for learners, teachers and support staff.

Teachers are to adhere to the health and safety guidelines always and sensitize learners on how to maintain social distancing.

They will ensure learners are adhering to the health and safety protocols always and everywhere and that they follow hygiene and sanitation protocols of washing hands, wearing masks, and staying in clean environment.

School bursars and secretaries will be expected to put measures in place for hygiene control and social distancing in place of work prior to receiving and or serving clients including learners.

“Make logistical arrangements for orientation sessions of other non-teaching staffs and engage in the orientation of all staff, school governing body members and food handlers at the school,” the guidelines provide.

Food handlers are to ensure they have requisite food handling certificates, be screened for Covid-19 symptoms before handling food, observe strict respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling food.

“Always keep physical distance. Observe stringent hygiene and sanitation measures while handling food and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing,” food handlers have been advised.

Nurses should ensure that the school sanatoriums are well equipped with emergency medical supplies to assist learners and staff in the event of Covid-19 outbreaks, clean and disinfect equipment and items after use as well as sterilize and keep clean surfaces, rails, furniture, knobs and other places three times a day.

School matrons should ensure food handlers have and cleaners have personal protective equipment, ensure learners wash their hands thoroughly before and after eating, organize tables and chairs, be spaced at a distance of at least 1 meter apart in the dining hall and make sure utensils and cutlery are kept clean before use by cooks and learners.