Cleric calls for parental responsibility during the festive season

Maua,

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

KNA by Kamanja Maeria and Jackline Mukami

A cleric has urged parents to be cautious and protect their children from traditional practices like female genital mutilation and early marriage vices that hinder girl-child access to education and leadership positions.

The Deliverance Church of Kenya in Kiiji Igembe South Pastor Joseph Gitonga urged parents to take holidays as an opportunity to bond with their children and instill values and life skills.

“I urge parents to take this opportunity to support and take full responsibility in nurturing and ensuring the wellbeing of their children,” Gitonga said.

He called upon local authorities including chiefs to ensure that girls are not subjected to retrogressive cultural practices like FGM and early marriages.

He noted that many children especially girls engage themselves in premarital sex and substance abuse due to the failure of parents to play their role.

“Parents need to watch and tame children against any misconduct by engaging them in productive activities like helping in home chores and disciplining them when they go wrong,’’ he added.

Gitonga further said that parents should be best friends with their children and be close to them to understand any misconduct and immoral behavior and counsel them appropriately.

 “The holiday is long and it’s your responsibility as parents to mentor and monitor your children’s behavior by creating time for them and acting as role models,’’ he emphasized.

Courtesy; KNA