Church wants schools to use dialogue to end student unrest

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)-Commission for Education and Religious Education Chairman, Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia says Head teachers must address growing school unrest by building humane school communities that encourage interaction, positive relationships and open channels of communication.

Addressing Catholic Secondary School Principals on 11th August, 2015 at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Nairobi,  under the theme “Saving the Youth from Destructive Behaviour; A Catholic schools Responsibility’’, Bishop Muhatia said heads of learning institutions must foster dialogue between young learners and all education stakeholders.

He said this is possible through holistic welfare activities programs, regular teachers-students ‘barazas’, community outreach(social action) and protection of the most vulnerable members of the school community.

“Catholic schools are called to journey with our young people out of darkness in to the light of risen Christ. Students look up to you for guidance so encourage them, lead them on and share your fundamental humane religious values for them to emulate,” He said

He encouraged the school heads to instill the virtues of chastity and humility in their students.

“For our schools to be successful in fulfilling   their mission they must instill within the young people a life of virtue. Our young people need to acquire and master many virtues in order to navigate well the perilous waters of life in the world of today,” He said.

Rt. Rev. Muhatia advised that, to effectively deal with the destructive behaviour in institutions, “We need God back in the classrooms and at the centre of all our operations. Catholic schools are charged with instilling in their students morality and growth towards holiness,” He said.

Echoing Bishop Muhatia’s sentiments, during his presentation on the Catholic ‘DNA’ Kitui Bishop Anthony Muheria urged the Principals to understand the spirit of Catholic education, to stamp the catholic identity by setting good examples for the students to emulate, instill virtues of truthfulness, service, diligence, chastity and decorum and to encourage a prayerful spirit since the Church is to bring about salvation.

By Rose Achiego