NAIROBI AUGUST 14, 2015(CISA)-Bishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Commission for Education and Religious Education has urged teachers to work together with the parish, Education secretaries and Religious Education advisors to instill good behavior among students in schools.
“Our Catholic schools must be centers where values are consistently nurtured and practiced. Values of humility, honesty… as principals in Catholic schools you have to take a lead in nurturing these virtues. We cannot do that alone.
This is why you as principals need to work to work with the parish, education secretaries,” he said.
In his closing remarks at the end of a three-day National Catholic Schools Principals at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on the theme “Saving the youth from destructive behavior, a Catholic Schools Responsibility,” Bishop Muhatia urged the principals “to remain positive, confident and encouraging to all persons you work with.”
“Let us adapt a positive deposition in tackling the challenges that come our way since our focal point is Jesus Christ the source of true hope, strength and true success,” said Bishop Muhatia of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru.
The prelate noted that the second term in schools that has just ended was marked with destructive incidences in over eight schools across the county some of which sponsored by the Catholic Church.
“These behaviors have brought about negative effects on the learning, teaching and formative role of a school as well as challenging parental care and societal norms…,” Bishop Muhatia said.
The function also saw new officials elected by the members for the Catholic Schools Principals’ Association (CASPA (K) unveiled.
Mr Nicholas Muasya from Nairobi Metropolitan is the new chairperson whereas Mr Andrew Karimi from Nyeri Metropolitan the vice chair.
Other officials named were Mr Simon Mwachofi from Mombasa Metropolitan as the Associations’ Treasurer, Ms Magdalene Mbugua, Secretary General and Ms Grace Rita from Kisumu Metropolitan vice Secretary General.
Bishop Muhatia in his congratulatory message after the naming of the new officials urged them to “uphold the Catholic DNA among the members and in our schools.”
He further said that that he would co-opt four education secretaries from the four metropolitans to the National Executive Council in order to have all stakeholders of Catholic Church involved in CASPA (K).
The association will hold the annual conference next year August 8-12, 2016 at the same venue.