SCHOOL HEADS VOW TO FIGHT DRUGS

The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KSSHA) has resolved to
support and commit itself to make learning institutions drug free zones.

The heads of schools also recommended that sponsors of national educational
events should be rejected if they are promoting the use of drugs.

This was said during the KSSHA national annual conference in Mombasa. The
meeting was attended by 3,500 heads of schools and key Ministry of
Education officials.

In his keynote speech on drug abuse among students, Prof. Peter Odhiambo
said there are 400,000 secondary school students who were already addicted
to drugs.

Odhiambo who is associated with the National Agency on the Campaign Against
Drugs (NACADA), said the number of girls abusing drugs was also growing at
an alarming rate.

"Out of the 400,000 secondary school students abusing drugs, 16,000 are
girls," he said.

He said students had wrong beliefs that when they took drugs, their
academic performance would be enhanced.

Nacada national co-ordinator Mr Joseph Kaguthi, said the agency has
allocated Sh1.8 million to the fight against drugs in secondary schools.

Kaguthi said drug barons were targeting those aged between 15 and 21, who
are mainly secondary school students.

"Every year, drug barons get Sh400 million from drugs sold in Kenya," he
revealed.

KSSHA Chairman, Mr Peterson Muthathai, said the association will assist its
members to strengthen guidance and counselling departments to achieve
desirable discipline in line with children rights.

Due to the increasing number of strikes in schools, the teachers resolved
that head teachers, teachers, school property and students should be insured.

Muthathai, said the current insurance policy on schools vehicles was not
adequate as it does not cover the passengers.

He said both the Minister and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Education have shown great interest in giving schools a better cover.

"The Minister and PS were surprised to learn that students and members of
staff are not covered by the insurance for public school vehicles. They are
keenly studying our recommendations," he said.

On the issue of pregnancy, he said teachers agreed that no student should
be denied education after she has given birth.

The PS Prof. Karega Mutahi, said there was need to transfer the children to
other schools due to psychological effects.

Muthathai teachers said that the review of the Education act should
consider the roles of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the sponsor in
the management of schools.

"PTA committees should be composed of real parents in the schools. These
committee should elect their representatives at the district, provincial
and national levels," he said.

Muthathai said fees guidelines should be discussed at district levels to
cater for the regional disparities.