Breakdown of Families, Poverty Pushing Children into “survival mode”: Catholic Archbishop in Kenya

In his address on the second day of the September 24-26 event, the Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Nyeri Archdiocese explained that the survival mode many children are forced into cannot be fully understood without spending time in impoverished areas, such as the slums.

Archbishop Muheria told participants who included representatives from, Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia that understanding poverty requires a practical experience with the poor.

Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri delivering his key note address. Credit: ACI Africa

The Regional Learning Conference on Care Reform that AMECEA organized in collaboration with the  Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) is being held on the theme, “Inspiring Faith Action for Care Reform: Reflections from KCCB’s demonstration work”.

Care Reform is a global movement of change that aims to ensure that every child is brought up in a safe, loving, caring, and nurturing family as opposed to being brought up in institutions.

In his September 24 address, Archbishop Muheria noted that children are often the most vulnerable in society. 

Credit: ACI Africa

He said that children are “a gift from God”, emphasizing that children’s dignity must be upheld in all social interventions.

He cited the breakdown of the family unit as a critical issue affecting children by exposing them to suffering.

The Kenyan Archbishop said that dysfunctional families, where parents may be involved in harmful behaviors such as alcoholism or constant conflict, are environments that render children vulnerable.

Credit: ACI Africa

The Archbishop called for a clear understanding of what constitutes family dysfunction, stating that such dysfunctions can take many forms and often have immediate negative effects on children.

Archbishop Muheria also drew attention to the rise in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that children are, until now, affected directly and indirectly. 

He stressed that domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse, encompassing psychological and societal impacts as well.

Credit: ACI Africa

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"Domestic violence spills over to the children," the Archbishop said, urging further deliberations during the three-day event to ascertain how social ills contribute to the worsening condition of vulnerable children.

He posed critical questions regarding the safety of children in the Kenyan society urging reflection on whether streets, schools, and families are safe for all children, including those with disabilities and special needs.

“Are our streets safe? Are our schools safe? Are our families safe?” he asked, noting that although important, safety must be viewed through the lens of enhancing human dignity.

Credit: ACI Africa

Archbishop Muheria reiterated the centrality of children in Jesus’ ministry, calling for positive and formative efforts by the Church to ensure all children flourish.

He questioned how society can create environments that enable children to thrive, not just to survive. 

Credit: ACI Africa

“We must focus on creating formative environments during a child's foundational years,” the Archbishop said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing noble values such as faith, charity, honesty, and compassion.

Archbishop Muheria stressed the need for preventive measures rather than reactive solutions. He called for a shift in focus from academic achievement in schools to the formative aspects of education, which he said are foundational to the Catholic Church’s involvement in education.