Advertisement

Heads of Catholic Primary Schools in Kenya Urged To “deeply care for learners” in First Ever Conference

Silas Isenjia

By Silas Isenjia

Nairobi, 22 August, 2024 / 10:11 pm (ACI Africa).

The Archbishop of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has appealed to heads of Catholic primary schools in Kenya to prioritize the needs of their pupils to equip them for life's challenges.

In his Tuesday, August 20 address during the official opening of the first edition of the Catholic Primary Schools Heads’ Association – Kenya [CaPSHA – K] Conference in Nairobi, Archbishop Philip Subira Anyolo said that teachers need to “embrace the sacred mission” of taking care of the learners entrusted to them.

“Dear brothers and sisters here present in your God-given roles as educators, I want to urge and encourage you to care deeply for the learners entrusted to you. Nurture them, guide them, and support them in overcoming challenges,” Archbishop Anyolo said at the start of the three-day event taking place at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

In deeply taking care of the learners, the Archbishop said that teachers will “be an extension of the families they have left behind, treating them with love and compassion.”

Archbishop Anyolo said during the event that started on August 20 that teachers must work closely with the learners’ parents, adding that the family is vital to a child's growth. “Together, we can inspire and be inspired, ensuring that the seeds we plant together flourish in the lives of the children we serve,” he said.

Advertisement

Alluding to the Catholic Church’s recognition of parents as the primary educators with a mandate to raise children in line with Gospel values, the Kenyan Archbishop said that regular consultation with parents on their children's progress makes a significant difference.

The conference that the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) Commission for Education and Religious Education (CERE) is spearheading is organized under the theme, “Catholic Schools: Hubs of Foundational Learning and Integral Formation for Holistic Growth.”

In his remarks, while presiding over the official opening of the conference, Archbishop Anyolo reflected on the words of Pope Francis in his 2015 address to Catholic educators and said that education is about the holistic formation of learners.

“Teaching is a beautiful job; it is a noble job, as it allows you to see the growth, day by day, of the people entrusted to your care. It is a little like being a parent, at least spiritually. It is a great responsibility,” he said.

Pope Francis’ words, the Local Ordinary of ADN since November 2021 said, “remind us that education transcends academics; it is about the holistic formation of the child—nurturing their mind, body, and spirit.”

More in Africa

Mauritius

Religious Leaders in Mauritius Urge New Government to Address Country’s Pressing Challenges

Read the article

In his address on the first day of the three-day event, Archbishop Anyolo acknowledged with appreciation the “exceptional work” teachers are doing to improve the lives of young people in the East African nation.

“We are proud of your efforts and pray that God blesses you with even greater success in your mission. I assure you of our full support,” said the 67-year-old Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in Kenya’s Kericho Catholic Diocese in February 1996.

Silas Isenjia

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.

Trending