KENYA: Catholic Bishops offer to mediate between striking Teachers and Government
Catholic
Bishops in Kenya are ready to bring teachers union and the government to the
mediation table to end a nationwide teachers’ strike that has paralyzed
learning in all public schools for over three weeks now.
Bishops in Kenya are ready to bring teachers union and the government to the
mediation table to end a nationwide teachers’ strike that has paralyzed
learning in all public schools for over three weeks now.
In a press
statement read by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman Rt.
Rev Philip Anyolo, the Bishops called for an end to the ongoing stalemate
between striking teachers and the government.
statement read by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman Rt.
Rev Philip Anyolo, the Bishops called for an end to the ongoing stalemate
between striking teachers and the government.
Below is the
full statement
full statement
“COME NOW, AND LET US REASON
TOGETHER…”
TOGETHER…”
(ISAIAH 1:18)
We, the Catholic
Bishops in Kenya, are concerned about the wave of industrial disputes that are
sweeping across the country, and the manner in which the involved parties are
responding to them.
Bishops in Kenya, are concerned about the wave of industrial disputes that are
sweeping across the country, and the manner in which the involved parties are
responding to them.
On the ongoing
teachers’ strike, hard-line positions taken by both the Teachers Service
Commission and the Teachers’ Unions are regrettable and set a bad example as
models for our children.
teachers’ strike, hard-line positions taken by both the Teachers Service
Commission and the Teachers’ Unions are regrettable and set a bad example as
models for our children.
The strike, which
has paralyzed learning in our schools, is a wake-up call for all Kenyans to
think deeply about how to address industrial disputes before they spiral out of
control. It is important to realize that the challenges currently facing the
education sector in this country are adversely affecting all Kenyans.
Therefore, there is need for key stakeholders to be fully involved in a bid to
transform these problems into challenges that can be addressed in a calm
atmosphere.
has paralyzed learning in our schools, is a wake-up call for all Kenyans to
think deeply about how to address industrial disputes before they spiral out of
control. It is important to realize that the challenges currently facing the
education sector in this country are adversely affecting all Kenyans.
Therefore, there is need for key stakeholders to be fully involved in a bid to
transform these problems into challenges that can be addressed in a calm
atmosphere.
Our values and
obligations demand from all of us provision of basic needs and protection of
all children at all times. It is time to let the children of this country
return to school as soon as possible for normal learning to continue.
obligations demand from all of us provision of basic needs and protection of
all children at all times. It is time to let the children of this country
return to school as soon as possible for normal learning to continue.
Dear Kenyans, the
respect for human dignity, universal human rights, common decency and decorum
have no room for threats, intimidation, blackmail and chest-thumping in dealing
with disputes irrespective of the degree of perceived hurt. “A gentle answer calms anger, but a harsh one
stirs it up’’ (Proverbs 15:1).
respect for human dignity, universal human rights, common decency and decorum
have no room for threats, intimidation, blackmail and chest-thumping in dealing
with disputes irrespective of the degree of perceived hurt. “A gentle answer calms anger, but a harsh one
stirs it up’’ (Proverbs 15:1).
In view of the
above, we recommend the following:
above, we recommend the following:
The Teachers
Service Commission and the Teachers’ Unions accept the involvement of an
independent mediator to facilitate discussions leading to a lasting solution to
the strike.
Service Commission and the Teachers’ Unions accept the involvement of an
independent mediator to facilitate discussions leading to a lasting solution to
the strike.
All stakeholders
need to exercise temperance and tolerance as they engage one other for the sake
of our children and the country at large. We appeal for sobriety as we address
this dispute. Let us work towards the common good.
need to exercise temperance and tolerance as they engage one other for the sake
of our children and the country at large. We appeal for sobriety as we address
this dispute. Let us work towards the common good.
We, Religious
Leaders, are ready to mediate in this process to find an amicable and lasting
solution to the current impasse to enable normal learning to resume. Both sides
must step back from the brink of an all-out industrial confrontation for the
sake of our country and especially the children.
Leaders, are ready to mediate in this process to find an amicable and lasting
solution to the current impasse to enable normal learning to resume. Both sides
must step back from the brink of an all-out industrial confrontation for the
sake of our country and especially the children.
In conclusion, we
want to thank the pupils and students for remaining calm during these difficult
times. We exhort the parents and the guardians to remain calm and patient as
they join other stakeholders in finding a solution to the challenge before us. Be
assured that the Church is actively involved to bring this strike to an end.
want to thank the pupils and students for remaining calm during these difficult
times. We exhort the parents and the guardians to remain calm and patient as
they join other stakeholders in finding a solution to the challenge before us. Be
assured that the Church is actively involved to bring this strike to an end.
God bless you all.
God bless Kenya.
God bless Kenya.
Signed: ………………Date:
September 23, 2015
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, Chairman, Kenya Conference of
Catholic Bishops, Homa Bay and all the Catholic Bishops in Kenya
Catholic Bishops, Homa Bay and all the Catholic Bishops in Kenya
By Rose Achiego, Waumini
Communications KCCB
Communications KCCB
