KENYA: Journey Closely With Learners: Bishop Kamomoe to Catholic Schools Principals
A section of principals of Catholic Schools at CUEA
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The new vice-chairman for the Commission for Education and Religious Education (CERE) at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has assured principals of Catholic-sponsored schools from across the country of his availability for discussions for the growth of the schools.
“I assure you of my support during my tenure in the KCCB – Commission for Education and Religious Education. My door shall remain open for structured consultations on how we can continue to grow and strengthen this association and by extension, Catholic education in Kenya,” Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe said during the official opening of the ninth edition of Kenya’s Catholic Schools’ Principals Association (CaSPA-K) conference on Tuesday, August 6.
The three-day conference held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Nairobi, brought together Principals from Catholic-sponsored schools to deliberate on various concerns in the education sector under the theme: “Catholic Schools as Hubs of Foundational Learning and Integral Formation for Holistic Growth.”
Addressing over 1,000 participants at the conference, Bishop Kamomoe one of the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi who joined the event for the first time, pointed out that principals need to journey closely with learners, especially during this time
when the society is faced with multifaceted challenges.
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today our society faces numerous challenges that leave our young people vulnerable. We must remain vigilant and journey with our learners, especially during their adolescent period when they develop most of their behavior traits,” he underscored.
Highlighting some of the challenges schools are facing the Bishop pointed out the pervasive influence of social media, cyberbullying, the entrenchment of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual) issues, the rise in mental health concerns, religious extremism, and the high cost of living among others.
Since learners spend most of their time in school, Bishop Kamomoe said there is a need to cultivate a spirit of family within the school and transform the schools into second homes for the learners.
“I encourage the School Principals to become the Father/Mother figures in these “homes’’, assisted by our teachers. Let us be more than principals to our learners and also teachers,” he underlined and appealed further to the participants, “We should be their role models, mentors, and confidants.”
For the students, teachers, and staff to feel valued and supported, it is vital to foster an atmosphere of warmth, inclusivity, and mutual respect, and also encourage open communication, understanding, and empathy, the Bishop narrated.
According to Bishop Kamomoe, by creating a nurturing environment where kindness and compassion are paramount, schools will become centres of comfort, belonging, and personal growth, embodying the essence of a second home for every learner.
Besides, he appealed to the principals, “Let us implement practices that promote collaboration and unity, celebrate diversity, and recognize the unique strengths each individual brings to the school community.”
On his part, the National Executive Secretary for KCCB-CERE Mr. Nicholas Muasya welcomed the new leadership for the commission Bishop Mark Kadima the Chairman of KCCB-CERE and former Vice Chairman, and Bishop Kamomoe the new Vice Chairman.
He pointed out that from inception, CaSPA-K has made tremendous achievements including capacity building of students, teachers, and Principals. Additionally, the association has previously given education scholarships to four Dioceses and this year, four more Dioceses will benefit at an amount of Kshs. 500,000 (3,875.97 United States Dollars).
