Suneka: Parents across the country are being urged to uphold child protection during the upcoming Christmas holidays. Speaking at Suneka town, Kisii South sub-county, after an academic day to celebrate Wema Mid-Valley Preparatory School pupils' transition to the next grade, the School Director Dr. George Masagara noted that the current school holiday would be long, covering about 12 weeks.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Masagara, who is also a counseling psychologist, said the holiday is bound to be the busiest not only for households but also for the nation, which is still mourning the death of the former prime minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga. However, the Director expressed concern over a possible failure by parents to closely monitor their children, thus exposing them to all forms of abuse including sexual molestation, domestic violence, drugs of addiction, and other triggers of mental illnesses.
He explained that teachers have taken advantage of school programs to foster organized behavior in children, but this may differ at home should parents fail to monitor the daily activities of their young ones, presumably due to busy schedules. The counseling psychologist encouraged parents to let their children participate in religious activities during the holiday season including attending mosques and church conferences, synods, and camps, where they can be taught good morals.
Moreover, Masagara urged parents to avoid excessive political involvement and rhetoric at home, as children may copy any inappropriate behavior, potentially affecting their growth. On her part, Wema school head teacher, Damaris Nyaboke, reiterated the role of parents in ensuring the safety and well-being of their children, while focusing on school reopening next year.