Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides)- The Catholic Church in Kenya has voiced concern for bad behaviour in schools culminating in some cases in acts of violence “radical extremism activities, sexual perversion and cultic behaviour” according to Bishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the diocese of Nakuru also chairman of the KCCB Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Education and Religious Education. The Bishop was addressing a Meeting with the theme “Saving the youth from destructive behaviour, a Catholic Schools Responsibility” held 11-13 August at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Some 900 participants included hundreds of Catholic school principals. Bishop Muhatia noted how the just concluded school term was marked with a number of destructive incidences in some schools around the country including some which are Catholic based explain the reason for the theme chosen, “in order to give us an opportunity to reflect and come up with effective strategies of increasing our formative engagement with the youth in our schools.” For his part Bishop Philip Anyolo of Homabay Diocese and chairman of the KCCB said “Throughout this year we have been confronted with evidence that some of our young people in school are engaging in radical extremism activities, sexually perversion and cultic behaviour, refusal to attend classes, sit for exams and at extreme, burn down school structures, especially their own dormitories”.
The Bishop offered indications on how to address the situation: on the one hand promote dialogue with students in order to understand their difficulties and needs, and on the other demand of all parties respect for rules and discipline. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/8/2015)
