- Makueni Education Executive Committee Member Japheth Mang’oka has urged parents to give children with special needs equal opportunities to learn and showcase their talents.
- He spoke during the opening of the county-level ECDE music festivals, which brought together more than 580 learners.
- County officials say investments in ECDE teachers and infrastructure are helping strengthen early childhood education across Makueni.
Makueni County Executive Committee Member (ECM) for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka has urged parents of children with special needs to stop hiding them and instead provide them with opportunities to access education and develop their talents.
Speaking during the official opening of the county-level Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Music Festivals, Mang’oka expressed his delight at the performance of learners from Kakuswi and Wee ECDE centres, which cater for children with special needs.
“You see, they are here with us doing their best. Imagine if their parents had locked them away, would they get such an opportunity? Let us give these children every opportunity to explore and become better people in their lives,” said Mang’oka.
“It’s quite encouraging and I congratulate their teachers too. Having a disability does not mean one lacks potential. Unless that potential is exposed, it is difficult to discover it,” he added.
Celebrating Talent and Creativity
The competitions were held at AIC Kathonzweni Comprehensive School and brought together 582 learners from across the county, accompanied by their teachers.
Mang’oka commended ECDE teachers for nurturing young learners and preparing them to perform confidently during the competitions.
He noted that training young children to participate in choral verses and other performances demonstrates exceptional dedication and professionalism.
He encouraged teachers to continue identifying and nurturing talents, especially under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which places greater emphasis on skills and abilities.
he county official also urged parents to closely monitor their children and ensure their safety.
He noted that changing social realities, including cases of kidnapping and drowning, require parents to remain vigilant.
Mang’oka further encouraged parents to support co-curricular activities and talent development, emphasizing that academic performance alone is not sufficient for future success.
“Books are important, but talents also pay,” he said.
Investments in ECDE
The ECM highlighted efforts by the county government to strengthen ECDE education.
According to Mang’oka, Makueni County has employed 957 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms and continues to construct child-friendly classrooms across the county.
He said the investments are aimed at improving learning outcomes and creating a supportive environment for young learners.
READ ALSO: Kisii County allocates Sh465 million to bursaries and school feeding programme
The county-level music festivals provided a platform for learners to showcase their talents while promoting creativity, confidence and inclusivity in early childhood education.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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