Vihiga County joined the rest of the world in marking International Literacy Day, with this year’s celebrations themed “Promoting Literacy in a Digital World.”
The event, held in Hamisi Sub-County, focused strongly on protecting children and strengthening communities to curb child domestic labour, while promoting the importance of education for both young learners and adults.
Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ruth Lurete, who graced the event, delivered a message on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua.
The CS underscored the government’s focus on recruitment and infrastructure development to create more employment opportunities and support literacy programmes.
Besides, Lurete urged young people to work hard in school and avoid being lured into menial jobs at an early age, stressing that education would equip them with skills to compete in the fast-changing digital world.
“Even if we have cultural practices, they should not stop our children from going to school. Primary education is free. I have seen many children who went through rites of passage under Tiriki cultural practices but failed to return to class. This must change,” she said.
She further condemned defilement, incest, and gender-based violence, warning perpetrators that such acts would not be tolerated in Vihiga.
Church leaders also rallied behind the call to safeguard children’s right to education. Archbishop John Chabuga of the African Divine Church emphasized the role of the Church in defending children’s rights in partnership with the Kenya Alliance for the Advancement of Children’s Rights. He appealed to the government to step in with school fee support for needy learners in the county.
Director of Adult Education Jared Koseso highlighted the importance of literacy in building stronger communities, saying it not only empowers individuals with knowledge but also enhances social cohesion.
He noted, however, that shortages of classrooms, trained facilitators, and learning materials remain significant challenges in adult education programs.
Participants, who included church leaders and heads of departments, concluded by reaffirming the power of education to transform lives, urging residents to continue striving for excellence while embracing digital literacy to remain competitive in today’s world.
By Rose Wasike
