School visits ban timely

The government’s ban on politicians visiting schools to make donations is a timely and laudable move. As the Ministry of Education has rightly warned, these visits by politicians and other well-wishers may be well-intended, but they disrupt lessons and other school programmes. They should be stopped forthwith.

Politicians and other well-wishers must stop visiting schools to hand out cash, bread, and soda. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba says the directive is aimed at protecting learners from undue politicisation and manipulation and preventing the disruption of learning during the campaigns for next year’s General Election.

Under the Education ministry’s new guidelines, all contributions to schools must follow the official ministry protocols rather than being delivered through direct, uncoordinated visits that undermine normal programmes. Learners are also banned from participating in political campaigns, especially for elections. Though the direct donations from well-wishers often provide immediate and necessary relief for the underfunded institutions, they should not be abused.

The direct assistance by politicians and philanthropists frequently covers essential personal items such as school uniforms and sanitary towels for the needy students. However, making small donations and taking photos and videos of the learners is often for the selfish interest of some individuals.

The exploitation of schools and learners during election campaigns should not be condoned. Publishing the images of minors without the required consent, the ministry has warned, is a blatant violation of the set protocols. Section 27 of the Children’s Act, 2022, protects the young ones against unlawful interference with their own privacy. It should be strictly and impartially enforced and not used as a ploy to lock out opposition politicians alone.

Children should not be used to promote some people's political ambitions. The Education ministry’s restrictions should be strictly enforced to safeguard learning and protect the children’s rights irrespective of the visitors’ political affiliations.

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