It would be almost impossible to try and fix everything overnight given the scale of the work to be done and associated costs.The costs of rebuilding infrastructure from scratch could be too much to bear. Ideally every secondary school deserves refurbishments and reconfiguration in some instances of existing classrooms as well as additional facilities for purposes of readiness for the much desired student centred , practical oriented STREAM curriculum.Schools have grown beyond their projected capacity during inception. The need to adopt STREAM is urgent. STREAM curriculum involves deepening the focus on Science, Technology , Reading, Engineering , Arts and Mathematics.The component of reading is included because students tend to struggle when they don’t have reading proficiency. Due to limited funds, the system should allow the dictates of the curriculum, labour market needs and safety of students and staff to determine prioritisation and sequencing of interventions in this regard. Some areas would assume priority and others would have to be executed at a later date.A top number one priority, which is also non negotiable is ensuring the safety of students and staff. Basic things such as fixing electrical wirings, roofs, ceilings, improving ventilation, sanitation and water supply cannot wait but should be attended urgently.Dilapidated buildings are not only conducive for teaching and learning but pose a threat to employees and students. Secondly, infrastructure development should be aligned to the goal of improving classroom instruction and student achievement outcomes.There should be no room for politics or whims. Overall all schools are worthy of having fully equipped purpose built laboratories, workshops and prep stations. But it would take more money and time to ensure that each school gets its fair share.Delayed services would be an affront on the question of equity in terms of distribution of resources. Historically, academically underachieving and under resourced regions could receive immediate attention.The goal of bridging the rural-urban divide is very critical. Schools should play a prominent role in addressing issues of poverty and therefore schools in the rural settings could also be among the first to be considered.Rural schools have a notorious distinction of academic underachievement.This needs to be reversed as it perpetuates poverty and inequalities. Budgetary constraints could also compel the system to venture into a novel and uncharted territory of developing shared facilities within district. Small districts could have top notch purpose built regional laboratory hubs designed to serve a cluster of schools. Flagship laboratory hubs manned by specialists would be ideal to serve three to five schools.The advantages of having shared facilities are cheapening the costs of maintenance and management while also ensuring proper handling and care. A well taken care of and timely maintained laboratory would increase its life span.Currently laboratories in schools are not only inadequately resourced, but some are subjected to vandalism A facility management team comprising members from the cluster could be appointed to ensure equitable and fair access to the facility. Regional laboratories should specialise in promoting student team-based research projects.This would assist in growing skills of independent learning and problem solving. While this has the potential to raise the quality of teaching and learning, it also has its downside .That is the issue of access to the facility which might require provision of transport.This might become a challenge because transport may not be available all the time. All in all there is an urgent need to speed up implementation of the STREAM curriculum. The private sector and community should join the bandwagon and play a prominent role in bringing into fruition changes the curriculum envisaged. Government cannot handle the transformation process alone.
