- The Eastern Region Music Festival has officially begun at ACK Wote Township Comprehensive School in Makueni County.
- Education leaders have called for greater participation of boys in music and other co-curricular activities.
- Organisers have pledged a successful festival ahead of the national competitions.
The Eastern Region Music Festival has officially kicked off at ACK Wote Township Comprehensive School in Makueni County, with education leaders using the opening ceremony to call for greater empowerment and participation of the boy child in co-curricular activities.
Speaking during the official opening, the Chief Officer for ICT, Education and Internship, Irene Makau, said it was time for teachers, parents and all education stakeholders to deliberately encourage boys to participate in music festivals, noting that girls continue to dominate the competitions.
Call to empower the boy child
Makau observed that many boys still perceive music as an activity meant for girls, a misconception she said should be addressed.
“I think we have empowered the girl child so much. Again, many boys think music is meant for girls. No, let us engage them in all co-curricular activities. Music is a career in itself,” she said.
She added that music plays an important role in preserving culture and heritage and urged teachers to continue nurturing learners’ talents.
Makau also appealed to adjudicators to remain fair and objective in selecting participants who will represent the region at the national music festivals.
“I thank the organisers for choosing our county and, more specifically, ACK St Luke’s Wote Township Comprehensive School. We promise to offer the best hospitality throughout the event, which runs from June 29 to July 5 and concludes with the Senior School competitions,” she said.
Fairness and hospitality
Makueni County Director of Education Lydia Mutegi urged adjudicators to provide every participant with a fair opportunity and objective assessment to ensure that the best performers advance to the national level.
Eastern Region Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Chairman Simon Nding’o echoed the call to support the boy child, noting that boys remain underrepresented in music competitions.
“It is worrying that out of about 20 participants, you may only find one or two boys. We need all education stakeholders to support the boy child,” he said.
Host Head of Institution Onesmus Wambua thanked the organisers for selecting the school to host the regional event.
He said the institution had adequate facilities, including spacious parking areas, reliable water supply, secure accommodation and easy accessibility.
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“In fact, those accommodated here are enjoying the facilities. Others have been accommodated in neighbouring schools because of the large number of participants. As hosts, we are committed to offering the best hospitality and look forward to hosting more events in future,” Wambua said.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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