Meru: This year's 97th Edition of the Kenya Music Festivals, hosted across Meru School, Kaaga Girls, and Meru Teachers College in Meru County, is becoming a powerful platform for students to not only showcase their artistic talents, but also to raise awareness on critical issues facing the contemporary digital generation.
According to Kenya News Agency, one of the most outstanding performances during this year's event came from Central's PCEA Kagema School, the winners in class 2130J, a class that was sponsored by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA). Their victory marks a fifth consecutive win for the school in this category, further cementing their place as consistent champions of creative advocacy.
With their piece, 'Cake ya Mchanga', the adjudicators and the audience, including teachers and parents, were left deeply contemplating how children can protect themselves online, steer clear of digital traps that can corrupt their values, and instead, make the most of the internet to enhance their learning and academic growth. 'This verse is a voice from the young generation, telling the world that we are aware of the digital dangers, but we also know the power of the internet when used wisely,' said Mr Joram Ojwang, the all-time teacher and trainer behind PCEA Kagema's success.
To Mr Ojwang, the verse highlights a balanced approach that urges parents and guardians not to shy away from letting children access technology, but rather guide them in safe and productive usage. He opines that with support from teachers and institutions, students can thrive in a connected world without falling victim to harmful online behavior. 'We thank the Communication Authority for sponsoring this category. Their support has given students a voice that allows them to speak out on what affects them directly,' Mr. Ojwang added.
He further appealed to CA to extend their impact beyond the festivals, suggesting the creation of school-based ambassadors who can carry the message of digital safety deep into rural communities. 'As schools presenting in this class, we are ready to act as ambassadors of the Communication Authority. Let's reach the child in the furthest village with this life-changing information,' Ojwang emphasized.
Elsewhere, at the same festival, Bondo Teachers Training College (TTC) also stood tall with a performance of a choral verse titled 'Epuka Bandia.' According to the Deputy Principal, Ms. Akinyi Okoyo, their piece creatively raised awareness about fake phones in the market, a growing concern among learners who frequently use digital gadgets. 'It came out so well and the expressions, the word choice, the delivery. It's no wonder they emerged winners,' she said proudly.
Ms. Akinyi commended Communication Authority for providing students with a platform to explore real-life challenges such as counterfeit devices and cyberbullying, both of which have serious implications on students' academic and personal well-being.