Parents Urged to Strengthen Children's Moral Foundation Through Church Guidance

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The country has witnessed several disturbing incidents involving students in recent years. One of the most tragic was the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, in which 16 students lost their lives and several others sustained injuries. Preliminary reports indicated that the fire, which led to the deaths, had been deliberately started by some students at the school.

In Kitui County, a number of cases of student unrest have also been reported. Incidents such as the burning of dormitories at Ithangathi Girls Secondary School have left schools counting losses, while others have been forced to close early and send learners home for mid-term breaks.

As these incidents continue to emerge and raise concerns within communities, questions have been directed at parents regarding the apparent erosion of the strict and disciplined upbringing that once characterised many Kenyan families.

Political and religious leaders in Kitui County have therefore, called upon parents to create time for their children by engaging them in meaningful conversations, understanding the challenges they face, and guiding them towards positive behaviour. They noted that such efforts could help prevent children from engaging in activities that may place them on the wrong side of the law, as seen in the ongoing investigations involving some Utumishi Girls students.

Speaking to congregants at a church service in Kitui East, the Group Chief Risk Officer at Safaricom PLC and an aspiring candidate for the Kitui County gubernatorial seat, Mr Nicholas Mulila, emphasised the importance of spiritual guidance in nurturing responsible citizens.

He noted that encouraging children to attend church and participate in religious teachings could help instil positive values and equip them to make sound decisions in life. "As we witness the increasing cases of schools being burnt and destroyed by students, we must ask ourselves as parents: what is happening, and where did we go wrong?" Mulila posed.

He further urged parents not to leave the responsibility of raising children entirely to teachers."Parents, please draw closer to your children and stop the tendency of leaving all responsibilities to teachers. Play your role when these students are at home," he said.

Mulila also encouraged parents to support their children's participation in church activities and follow up on the lessons they learn through religious instruction."Encourage your children to attend church and embrace the teachings they receive there. Such guidance can help them grow into wise, responsible and morally upright individuals," he advised.