Teachers Crisis Mandera

I believe we have all heard the news about Mandera and the teacher crisis its facing. If not, then you must have come across last years news about the killings of Non-muslims by Al-shabab. Members from the group(Al-Shabab) shot 36 people after separating them from the Muslims. This act increased the concern on security in Mandera (especially as it borders Somalia) and is the main cause of the teachers refusal to go to work. Many have asked to have the government sack the teachers because of their defiance, but lets take it down a notch. Before reacting with such strict actions, let us try and see things from their perspective. These teachers are human beings just as you and i. this means they have feelings. at this point they are i fear. they don't want to be the next victims. it does not mean that they have ceased to care for the sweet children in Mandera, No. they simply want their security. they want to feel safe. They have families. Right now as they strike their families are experiencing the consequences directly-looking at the fact that there is no pay for as long as the teaches strike. However, being a reasonable human being, would you rather losing a loved one or living in fear because you do not know if they are truly safe where they are? We are looking at the greater good or the lesser evil-depending on how you look at it. these teachers are on strike to protect their families from loss,stress and devastation. Is that not a selfless act?

I have to say kudos to Kuppet for supporting its own. Taking the matter to court in order to protect the teachers from intimidation from leaders in government, is a step in the right direction. The teachers require to know that they are not alone. They need to be heard. Unless security is upgraded in Mandera, these teachers should not be sent back. I have to admit that even beefing up security may not be the answer. Sadly, most if not all Kenyans know about the actions of the police. We are skeptical about our own security considering the poor reviews our police force get. If you and i are full of skepticism and we do not live in Mandera, think of those living there. A place where Al-Shabab have already been. One may say that lightning does not strike the same place twice, but how sure are you?

I heard people being of the opinion of sending back to teachers to teach in the places of birth. This might have been a good idea for a few minutes, but once you say it out a loud, the looks one gets gives the answer. Those born in other parts of the country would gladly do go back but those born in Mandera, would be the first to strike on grounds that the government is being unfair. It's therefore not fair to force the teachers who have sacrificed to teach there for years, in the unfriendly conditions, to go back to Mandera now when they are afraid for their safety. Please go back to the drawing board. Choose life!!!

Author: 634366