Kwale county Governor Fatuma Achani has urged parents to give adequate attention to their children during this long school holiday period to prevent them from engaging in wayward behaviours that could affect their development and future.
Governor Achani appealed to parents to closely monitor the movements of their children during the long school holiday that began on October 28, 2024, and will last until January 3, 2025.
She watching the movement of the children would ensure that they do not engage in criminal activities or indulge in social vices like drug and substance abuse.
“We advise and caution parents to be vigilant and alert at all times especially during this October-January long holiday,” she said.
She further urged parents to ensure they monitor their children’s circle of friends to avoid their being recruited into juvenile criminal gangs, ensure that they do not mingle with peers who engage in drug and substance abuse and sexual promiscuity or fall into the hands of child traffickers.
“We should be cognizant at all times that our children are a divine treasure and the future leaders of this country of ours,” she said, adding that allowing children to roam freely without any form of restrictions would harm their future.
She advised the students against roaming aimlessly at urban centres and around entertainment joints but urged them to be of service to their communities and parents whilst at home.
Speaking in Tsimba/ Golini ward in Matuga Sub County, Achani advised parents to interact and share ideas with their children so they would feel happy to stay at home and not follow bad peer pressure groups.
The coastal county boss advised students to reactivate their reading habits and spend much of their time on their books during this long school vacation.
The Governor urged parents to prompt their children to develop good study habits and time-management skills stating that they should at all times be supportive of the good cause of their children.
“Actually, the long holiday period should be an opportunity for parents and guardians to have meaningful conversations with their children and foster discipline,” she said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
