| Diocesan Secretaries of Education Attend Seminar |
Twenty-three Diocesan Education Secretaries attended a seminar on Educational Management the first week of March conducted by Strathmore University at the request of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference. The keynote address was made by Mr. David Siele, Director for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. Mr Gabriel Lengoiboni, Secretary of the Teachers Service Commission, also gave some input on Teacher Management.
Most Rev John Njue Chairman-Commission for Education graced the occasion. He celebrated the Holy Eucharist and addressed the participants on the importance of ensuring that holistic education is offerred in Catholic sponsored schools. The Archbishop encouraged the Education secretaries not to lose heart despite enormous challenges in their Dioceses. The participants underscored the need to respect procedures in carrying out their responsibilities. They also affirmed the importance of ensuring that the sponsors' presence is felt in all schools through pastoral care. Ms Augusta Muthigani, National Educational Secretary, chaired the sessions. Fr John Manzi of Lodwar Diocese expressed optimism and a desire for action after a by lecture Prof John Odhaimbo, the VC of Strathmore University. Prof Odhiambo focused on imparting virtues in the family and school. He expounded on Catholic teaching concerning human sexuality emphasizing that the parents are the primary educators of the child, especially in the area of human love. "Parents are responsible for giving children correct answers from an early age", he said. "Teaching chastity as a science and not as a virtue leads to the opposite results than those desired. The sex education programme of the Ministry of Education is an excellent instrument to manipulate the minds and wills of students to acquire an aggressive culture hostile to love, life, marriage and the family. How can parents teach moral values when the opposite is taught in the classroom. Imparting information devoid of formation in chastity leads to the deformation of the child. Responsible Parenthood, responsible sex and safe sex are all slogans that need to be seen through. They foster a culture of temporary pleasure but not of happiness. We need to expose the falsity behind them." The seminar was held From Tuesday March 7th to 9th at the Savelberg Retreat Centre, Nairobi. Other topics covered included: Performance Management and Quality Assurance, Communication Skills, Conflict Management, Managing HIV Stigmatisation, Stress Management, The Education Secretary and the Law. Fr Vincent Wambugu was the main concelebrant at a Mass in the chapel of Strathmore University terminating the seminar, which was followed by the awarding of certificates to each of the participants. |
