Former Machakos Women Representative Dr. Susan Musyoka has called on parents to talk to their children about the corona virus in a concerted effort to fight the global pandemic.
Addressing the press in Machakos town Tuesday, Dr. Musyoka pointed out that children look up to and emulate parents for direction hence the need to educate them regarding the virus.
“It helps children understand that in times of crisis, they can forge on by focusing on what it takes to stay safe. They learn the important life skill of separating what they are in control of’ from what is beyond their control,” said Dr. Musyoka.
The former Women Representative urged parents to avoid situations where children interact with others, shun social family gatherings and avoiding crowded places as precautionary measures against the corona virus
“It’s really important that the kids aren’t mixing with other kids while out of school. It is important to talk about it because children look to us for direction and guidance, and the parent’s voice counts more than parents sometimes think,” said Dr. Musyoka.
She called on parents and caregivers to ensure that they are not absentee parents and that they offer the much needed parental guidance, which has been blamed for such societal vices like child abuse.
“We must tackle this problem at all levels of our society. Children at this age should be guided to focus on learning and getting the necessary education as per their talents and gifts,” said Dr. Musyoka
Dr. Musyoka advised parents to focus on how to keep safe by enforcing practices like washing hands with soap and water, use of hand sanitisers, social distancing and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and staying at home where possible in an effort to stop the spread of the viral disease.
On Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha said it will be hard to tell when children will resume their classes as it will depend on the situation which he said will be advised by the Ministry of Health.
The CS noted that the government is putting in measures to ensure that students are accessing online education.
He further ruled out the postponement of national examinations in the country adding that the government is preparing for all possible scenarios in case the situation gets worse than it is at the moment.
Last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the immediate closure of all schools, colleges and universities to curb the coronavirus spread.
The Ministry of Health has so far confirmed 216 corona virus cases, 9 deaths and 41 recoveries by April 14.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi while addressing the Media on Coronavirus on Tuesday said Nairobi County is leading with 101 infections followed by Mombasa with 34 cases while Kiambu has seven infections.
The Covid-19 disease which was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has killed at least 121, 704 people with at least 1, 946, 386 infections and 460, 111 recoveries as of April 14 according to World meter’s count
By Rachael Kilonzo
