Kadibo Sub-county Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), Casline Omollo, has called on parents to actively invest in and monitor their children in learning institutions to help mitigate crime among the juveniles.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Nyakakana Secondary School in Kobura Ward, Kisumu County, on Monday, Omollo stressed that a common effort was needed between families and government to ensure academic mentorship.
The ACC passionately insisted that education is the ultimate social equalizer for the rich and the less fortunate.
She encouraged parents to take full advantage of available academic opportunities, saying financial problems should not be a barrier for children to attend school, as most day secondary schools in the sub-county are free.
Omollo said that everyone should ensure all their children attend school because those who are facing financial problems can apply for bursaries from the county government and National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
“I am urging everyone to ensure all their children go to school; those facing financial difficulties can access bursaries from both the County Government and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF),” she stated.
She added that the parents have to be mindful not to ‘dump’ their children in the schools without paying attention to their moral upbringing.
Not monitoring children’s activities directly gives rise to the problem of adolescents getting into criminal paths, she emphasized.
“Let us walk this journey of education with our children. Don’t just leave them thinking that because you’ve taken them to school, they are getting an education,” Omollo said, urging parents to track their children’s progress all the way from primary school through the university level.
The ACC said the government hopes to see a young person’s energy focused on positive pursuits, instead of the justice system.
“Otherwise, these kids are going to be in trouble with the law; we don’t want to have any problems with the young people,” he elaborated.
To curb these issues, ACC Omollo challenged parents, particularly mothers, to enforce strict discipline at home and tightly monitor the peer groups their children interact with.
The administrator reminded the community that the freedoms enjoyed in the country today were hard-fought and that the best way to honor that legacy and build a straightforward society is by molding disciplined, well-educated citizens who understand the consequences of their choices and acts.
By Rainhard Ayub
