West Mugirango constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Stephen Mogaka has challenged parents to take up their parenting responsibility seriously and protect their children against any form of abuse.
The MP made this passionate appeal while presiding over a prayer day ceremony at Sironga Girls High School to pray for the form four candidates expected to sit for their end of secondary school education in November this year.
“The MP noted that parents have apparently become very ‘busy’ looking for money and have left children alone at home to just manage themselves unaware of numerous forms of abuse these children undergo while they are away.
“Child neglect is not just about not providing the basic needs of your child, leaving children unattended by a mature and responsible person is one of the common forms of abuse children undergo. Neglected children are susceptible to physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological disturbance compelling them to make horrible decisions like child marriages, accepting to be lured into drugs and substance abuse or suicide,” Mp Mogaka mentioned.
He thanked the form four class parents for their support in ensuring their children acquire basic education and advised them to closely monitor and guide their children during the August holidays so that they can manage to finish their KCSE successfully.
“The tendency of panicking is rife when the days for the final examination have drawn near. The candidates need assurance, guidance and support to be confident that all shall be well because they are our future generation who will carry our country to the next level on matters of development.
He wished the candidates all the best and assured them that just like their predecessors, their stellar performance as projected will surely come to pass.
The County Commissioner, Erastus Mbui who was also present, promised maximum security, a safe environment during the entire examination period to ensure they deliver a credible exercise with excellent performance.
“Keep working smart and hard, remain focused on your target goals both at individual level and as Class of 2015 and we are optimistic that you will make us proud when the results will finally be announced.
Ms. Jane Nyanumba, the chief principal for Sironga Girls High school thanked the parents for trusting the institution and enrolling their children in an institution known for its exemplary academic performance and promised that she will do her best to ensure the girls achieve their target grades.
“The four year journey as parents with your daughters in this institution has not been an easy one bearing in mind the tough economic times for our country. I appreciate your resilience and unwavering spirit to ensure your children get the best and I promise that your children finish their secondary education from this institution of excellence with the best grades ever,” Ms. Nyanumba assured.
Sironga Girls high school has the highest number of candidature registrations in the country with a total of 1,116 registered candidates to undertake the KCSE examination this year. The prayer day brought together parents, guardians, religious leaders, the entire institutions’ management including teaching and non-teaching staff to conduct special prayers for the candidates so that they face the examination with confidence castigating all other misfortunates which might befall the candidates during their remaining period in school.
By Deborah Bochere
