NAIROBI AUGUST 11, 2015(CISA)-Bishop Philip Anyolo, Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has challenged Catholic school principals to stand up to address indiscipline cases in schools.
“Throughout this year we have been confronted with evidence that some of our young people in school are engaging in radical extremism activities, sexually perversion and cultic behavior, refusal to attend classes, sit for exams and at extreme, burn down school structures, especially their own dormitories,” said Bishop Anyolo.
Addressing hundreds of Catholic school principals during the Catholic Schools Principal’s Association Conference at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) today, Bishop Anyolo said that the current behavior of children in schools has to be addressed with the urgency it deserves.
The theme of the conference is “Saving the youth from destructive behavior, a catholic schools responsibility.”
In the last two weeks, The Daily Nation Newspaper reported of 45 students from schools in Kirinyaga County who were arrested for smoking bhang, drinking alcohol and engaging in sexual activities in a hired bus whereas, three Stephjoy High students in Kiambu County are facing murder charges for allegedly starting a fire that resulted in the deaths of three schoolmates.
The incident followed another at St Patrick’s Iten High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County where 12 male students were injured after they raided a girls’ dormitory at night.
“At least 80 secondary schools were reported to have engaged in serious disruptive behavior within two weeks. What has gone wrong? Is it the young or is it us who have abdicated our roles as mentors of these young people?” asked Bishop Anyolo of the Catholic Diocese of Homa bay.
He noted that the bishops were hopeful that the conference would offer a venue to share experiences with other teachers on how to mentor the youth into responsible citizens.
The Catholic Schools principals meeting begun today and will end on Wednesday August 13.
“It is my prayer that during these three days, you will spend time in sharing experiences, learn from the best practices and strategies for individual schools.
The bishops conference is banking on you to mentor the youth in responsible citizen in the midst of all societal, social and political challenges,” concluded Bishop Anyolo.
