Church joins hands with State to counsel learners
The Church will join hands with the State to offer psycho-social support for learners in all public institutions when schools re-open in January.
Clerics said the move is a measure to help minimise the adverse effects of Covid-19 on the education sector.
Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Dr. Jackson ole Sapit said the prolonged stay at home, coupled with the general anxiety brought by the coronavirus pandemic, would weigh heavily on learners’ minds once schools resume.
“Learners have stayed away from school for long and when they open, there is need to offer them psycho-social support to ensure their learning progresses on well,” he said.
Partnership, under the pillar of wholesome education, will further see ACK distribute over four million copies of educational materials to schools.
The plan, which the prelate said was being finalised between the Church and Ministry of Education, is part of ACK’s overall strategic vision dubbed as Wholesome Ministry for a Wholesome Nation that runs from 2018 to 2028.
Ole Sapit disclosed that the church would deploy clergymen and other religious officials to schools across the country to offer psychological, emotional and spiritual support for learners and teachers to help them cope with the new realities posed by Covid-19.
He was addressing hundreds of congregants at ACK’s St Peter Cathedral in Voi town in Taita Taveta during the official opening of the church on Sunday.
Deputy President William Ruto and several other local leaders graced the ocassion.
Ole Sapit said the church was committed to providing a strong family base and urged parents to give their children moral support they needed to grow and become responsible citizens.
Wanton drinking
The Primate warned that the current scandals involving teenagers including extensive drug use, sex parties and wanton drinking was a reflection of a generation crying out for guidance and help.
“These vices our children are engaging in should make us, as parents, reflect on our roles in the lives of our young ones,” he said.
Ole Sapit also urged Kenyans to observe Covid-19 protocols in places of worship as he expressed his concern over the large number of congregants who were present at the historic event.
“Remember that even as we celebrate, Covid-19 is here with us. I hope and pray God will protect us,” he said.
Addressing the congregation, Deputy President William Ruto said that the government was committing most of its budget into ensuring learnings institutions were made as safe as possible for learners.
Stating that the country was not out of the woods as Covid-19 was still raging, he urged Kenyans not to let down their guards and continue adhering to health protocols.
He also noted that plans were underway to see ensure medical workers were adequately remunerated owing to the risk they faced when dealing with Covid-19.
“The government is committed to ensuring that schools are made safe once they open in January to stem the spread of Covid-19.
We should not relax at all because the pandemic is here with us,” he said.
The Deputy President largely avoided any politics and instead called for more co-operation and collaboration amongst leaders at all levels of governance.
Other leaders present during the event were MPs Jones Mlolwa (Voi), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Taita-Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma, Women Rep Lydia Haika and former Governor John Mruttu. Governor Granton Samboja was represented by his deputy Majala Mlaghui. Bishops from Malindi and Katakwa Diocese were also present. -KNA
