As the government battles to contain the spread of COVID-19 within the country, the education sector remains the hardest hit with parents unable to keep their pupils on a studying routine while at home.
But for Eagle Apex Hill School in Subukia, Nakuru County it is learning as usual.
The institution has turned to the Internet for pupils to attend classes, bolstering the rise of e-learning becoming the first in the county.
With the use of WhatsApp as a mode of communication, teachers are able to video call, send text messages and even call the students to give assignments where they are able to assess the learner’s work.
After completing the assignment, the learner sends in the work in picture form for the teachers to mark before the results can be sent to the parent for easy monitoring and supervision.
Addressing media, school’s Director Peter Kibunja said the move was occasioned by the need to keep students learning while at home saying.
He adds that it was in line with the government call for pupils to study and that they have all the contacts for the parents.
According to Kibunja, teachers will be working in shifts to ensure learning continues, as usual, noting that all their expenses have been catered for by the management.
“We have plans where teachers will be working in shifts with all the expenses catered for by the management,” he said.
Kibunja however, exuded confidence that the pandemic will soon be contained adding that the industry is affected badly and that some schools will be ahead.
Anthony Kanyingi a teacher said the model though new, it has gone a long way in ensuring the students learn from home as well as concentrate on studies.
He is quick to note that high levels of discipline are observed with the use of the internet.
He noted that ” being connected has enabled us to reach far and wide however some of the biggest challenges are network coverage”.
Kanyingi says they have a timetable to cover the current syllabus adding that each day pupils have a chance to study and also ask questions widely.
Sentiments echoed by tutor Anastasia Moraa, in charge of the CBC who says supervision of practical lessons are a major challenge to parents and that some have to understand the concept before showing their children.
She noted with the CBC program they have to allow the students more time to understand adding that lessons beginning as from 8 AM to12 PM on a daily basis save for weekends.
Favoured Kibuja a grade four pupil said the study model has helped a lot.
On her part Agape Wendo, a class eight pupil said she has benefited from the model through neighbours adding that her parents are not able to access WhatsApp.
“My parents are not able to access WhatsApp but I was able to get assistance from my neighbours,” she said.
She noted that it has been a challenge staying at home adding that the model has ensured they are busy while at home.
Josphat Mburu a parent said the working with the school has been beneficial saying he fully supports the new model.
“As a parent, I am grateful for this school for coming up with this model. We shall continue to work together” said Mburu.