Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Uasin Gishu have appealed to the county government to consider incorporating them into the school milk program.
The county has been implementing the program targeting over 40,000 ECDE learners since it was launched in May 2023.
Under the program, all public ECDE learners get a packet of 250ml milk twice a week – on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
However, teachers are not budgeted for in the program.
“Teachers need to be having some milk. When dealing with special needs kids for example, they do by seeing, so they also want to see teachers taking some of the milk,” noted Martinah Kibet, an ECDE teacher at Central Primary School in Eldoret town.
“When they (teachers) distribute the milk to the kids, most of them usually come back and tell teachers to have a taste,” she added.
To ensure the children feel their teachers are also part of the program, the county is now being asked to consider them when budgeting for the program.
Uasin Gishu School Milk Program a success
Gladys Maina, a teacher at Central Primary School ECDE notes that the initiative has been a success since it was launched.
“The milk is taken at 11 am and the program has been smooth. Children are happy and rarely miss coming to school, especially in the days the milk is given to them,” Maina said.
Responding to the request from ECDE teachers, Education Chief Officer Marion Birgen said it was something the county could consider in future budgeting.
She also admitted that the request emanated from learners.
“We know our Governor is considerate and in future, we look forward to having the teacher take milk for psychological stability to the learners,” Birgen noted.
The Chief Officer further pointed out that the program has had a positive impact on ECDE education since its launch.
At least 3,000 new ECDE learners have been enrolled since the program was initiated.
“This has also impacted on the quality of education to our learners,” she said.
Currently, there are 673 ECDE centres across Uasin Gishu County.
