Parents have been advised to remain close to their children during the long holidays and guide them accordingly to prevent them from engaging in vices.
Bomet Ag. County Commissioner Reuben Ratemo noted that the onset of long holiday this week presents a challenge for school-going children on how to spend their free time away from the school routine and this may expose them to various temptations that may ruin their lives.
He noted that the end-of-year school holiday will last more than two months, with millions of children roaming freely in the estates and villages and if they are not well guided and closely monitored by their parents and guardians, they risk falling prey to bad company.
Speaking at Kabugut primary school in Bomet central sub-county, Ratemo advised parents to provide adequate care to their children, warning against leaving them in the company or care of relatives and other people.
“This is not the time to send the children to stay with their aunties and uncles or grandparents who also have their own challenges to address. Parents should stay with their children and guide them accordingly,” he said.
Ratemo observed that as they break from respective schools, where they spend most of year with teachers and other students, it is high time for parents to take time and understand their children and accord them the necessary psycho-social support.
“Unfortunately, some parents do not want to stay with their children and have relinquished their parental responsibility to teachers so they are now worried that the children are flocking back home.
On the contrary, parents should be happy and even take leave from their daily activities to take care of their children,” Ratemo advised.
He noted that with the prevailing societal set-up laden with moral decadence, if the young children are left on their own, there is risk of exposing them to teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse.
The Ag. County commissioner asked the church to step up religious activities for the youth to engage them during the holidays, besides imparting them knowledge on responsible behavior.
He also instructed national government administrative officials including chiefs to work with respective community leaders and residents in ensuring the security of the children.
By Erick Ongeri
