BY LEULSEGED WORKU
In most cases, there is a negative perception towards public schools. This is especially true where there are several private schools with expensive monthly or quarterly school fees. In fact, the claim that is said “most public schools are less impressive in their academic achievement” is a lie and a half-truth matter. Owing to this and some other reasons, therefore, some public schools are not picks of most parents.
However, it seems that this stereotype is approaching to be disproved in Kara-Alo Primary School where the teaching and learning process starts exceeding the expectation of many parents; and encouraging them to enroll their children in the school; instead of paying unreasonable fees to private schools.
As it was witnessed by The Ethiopian Press Agency journalists, the school, which once was not in the list of preferences amongst most parents, has now turned into a preferred educational center; and a place where children spend a good deal of time not only to learn; but also to develop important skills in conserving the environment.
Using the available plots of land and other resources, the school has become not only center of education, but also a place where one can witness the art of vertical gardening, and an area that is cultivated and preserved by teachers, students and school community.
Kara-Alo Primary School is awarded with a large playground where little children can enjoy their break time happily and safely. Unlike most of schools in Addis Ababa where their playgrounds are made out of asphalts (which is unsafe for children), Kara-Alo Primary School has carefully planned playground for students- the vast plot of the playground is made in a way suitable for those little children to enjoy their free time safely and securely.
The green park where several trees are seen shadowing the ground is a place where teachers, students and other school community enjoy reading and refreshing their mind with the fresh air that comes through the trees. This green garden is an area where one can witness almost all types of vegetables.
As it was mentioned by School’s Director, Assefa Melaku, whenever students have practical experiences about green life, they will learn more about nature and would become responsible citizens who will value, conserve and protect the environment.
According to him, the green space which is found in the premises of the school is one unique and rare area in other public schools. The green park enables students to have a refreshing time with their friends during their break time or on the weekends. The green park, which is situated near the library, also enables the students to read books and discuss with their friends. Since the library is so small, the park allows students to read in a relaxed manner; and do group assignments undisturbedly.
According to him, following the discussion held between the school community and the active participation of the school community along with parent representatives, favorable environment is created within the school premise that enables teachers to have a refreshing time.
“Whenever teachers have a need to read books or mark students’ exercise books, they are not always expected to be confined within staffroom or teacher’s lounge. They can perform their task within the green park while refreshing their mind. This practice is not only beneficial for teachers; it also has a significant role in influencing students’ behaviors; and encouraging them to follow suit. Whenever they see teachers reading books, they will be inspired to do the same thing. This will instill reading culture within the school.”
The school management together with all the staff is always exerting energy to make Kara-Alo Primary School a model education institution. “While giving a special attention to the quality education, we are also giving due consideration to the aesthetic value of the premises. We are easing all the teaching and learning process for teachers, students and parents. For this reason, we are witnessing an increased number of student enrolments in our school. Parents who used to send their children to private schools have now started bringing their children to the school. This is because of the combined effort of the school management, teachers, and other school community. Parents prefer our school for various reasons: the school fee is reasonable, and cannot be matched with the expensive fees in private schools. The school environment is also set in a manner considering the safety of children. The quality of education is the other important matter that makes our school parents’ preference.”
According to the Assefa, parents are bringing their children to the school because the teachers are exerting their energy to help students. They are always happy to assist students to make them competent citizens. The concerted works of supervisors, monitoring activities and others have played a key role in this regard.
“Understandably, quality education and commitment of teachers are two sides of a single coin. Whenever there is a passionate teacher and supportive staff, there is an effective student. For this reason, I can say that our students are the outcome of their teachers and their environment.”
Concurrent to preparing the green park that is conducive for the learning and teaching process, having a school environment that encourages teachers to love their environs and students is the other area where we are working aggressively.
In this regard, encouraging activities are carried out. This includes, providing separate space to KG students and having a fence that separates them from those junior class students is one activity. Formerly, there was no such demarcation between the two. That, in turn, had created workload on nursery teachers; plus inconvenience to those KG students. However now, the students and teachers have a relative freedom in enjoying their break time.
According to the Director, the School Feeding Program has another important factor that allows students to focus on their education. School Feeding has now avoided inequalities of students from families of the haves and have-nots. Formerly, some students from poor families were seen unfocussed; or missing classes for food related cases. There were also instances in which children fell unconscious because of insufficient food intake. However, thanks to the measures taken by the City Administration, this problem is not seen now. “The School Feeding program has created conducive environment for students to focus on only their education. Therefore, we can say that all the aforementioned factors together with the School Feeding Program have supported the teaching and learning process,” he remarked.
Seconding Director’s view, Derartu Diriba, 8th grader, appreciated school’s feeding program. According to her, beside the feeding program, the green environment within the school premises invites her to spend more of her time in the compound through reading and discussing educational matters with her peers.
As to her, the school feeding program has also reduced the burden of many parents aside from enabling students to focus on their learning instead of worrying about their breakfast and lunch.
True, the school feeding program initiated by Addis Ababa City Administration has lessened the burden of many parents and students, especially those who are economically underprivileged.
Those students who were once compelled to go to school empty stomach and unfilled lunch boxes are not any more concerned about food issues. Thanks to the School Feeding program they can now enjoy their class without any worries about their meals.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 23 OCTOBER 2022
