Inculcating moral integrity among children is a collective responsibility-parents

Parents and teachers following through a value based education forum held at Makande Primary School on Wednesday Photo (courtesy)

BY OUR REPORTER

A section Parents in Mombasa County are calling on a joint approach amongst various stakeholders in order to inculcate positive morals among children.

According to them, parents play an active role in ensuring that children stick to moral integrity.

Speaking to the media at Makande Primary School on Wednesday Rachael Osoro, a parent however blamed some parents on claims of diverting away from ethical standards.

She said “It is unfortunate that some parents are ever busy. They do not know the progress of the kids in school. Again all the television programs that we watch with our children contribute a bigger percentage of moral decay,”

At the same time, she attributes the decline in ethical standards amongst the youth to high technology.

“We give our children so much freedom. Some of them understand more than we do as parents. They navigate the internet more and more,” she said.

One of the parents, Isaac Murege says parental responsibility cannot be delegated.

He says wants parents to serve as role models for their kids.

“I want to inform my fellow parents that we cannot delegate our responsibilities. Let strive to bring up morally accepted children,” he pointed out.

Murege wants parents to work in close proximity with their children in order to create a common bond.

According to him there is need for parents to look a better way of engaging youths in order to instil proper ethics.

“I think religion plays a key role here. We should bring up our children as per religious teachings. Again technology influences the behavior of these kids,” he noted.

Meanwhile Dream Achievers Youth Organization programs coordinator Enos Opiyo says the competency based curriculum not only encourages learners to stick to moral integrity and but also encourages talent growth.

According to the human rights defender there is need for parents to control the use of technology amongst their children.

“CBC is a good curriculum that every one of us must embrace. It ensures that learners stick accepted societal values,” the human rights activist said.

He further urged religious leaders to amplify their voices adding that they are key in promoting societal accepted norms.

Opiyo says instilling moral values is not a one man show but rather requires collective responsibility from various actors.

“From the resolution that we have had, parents have resolved that they will team up irrespective of their societal background, religion to ensure that values are upheld,” he explained.

One of the parents at the forum stressing a concern. photo (file)

An education official from Kisauni Sub County who spoke on condition of anonymity urged parents to play their responsibilities as required by the law.

The official insists that the government is committed to ensure that all children access education.

The official says education is a constitutional rights to all Kenyans and children should not be denied of the opportunity.

“All children have a right to learn. The government has insisted on 100 per cent transition,” the official explained.

The forum organised by Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with Dream Achievers Youth Organisation seeks to instill values among children.

It was held at Makande Primary School and broght together over 100 parents and teachers from  Mvita, Kongowea, Sacred Heart, Makande primary schools.