Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Josephat Mutisya has called on parents involved in fishing activities to make their children’s education a top priority.
Speaking during World Seaweed Day at Mkunguni village in Kwale County, Mutisya said that while the ocean provides numerous economic opportunities, parents must not neglect their responsibility to send their children to school.
He noted that education remains the most effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty and laying a foundation for strong, prosperous families.
“As you go out to sea to earn a living, do not forget that your children’s future depends on education. The wealth of the ocean should not come at the cost of your children’s future. Let us ensure every child is in school,” he said.
His sentiments come amid growing concern that some children from fishing communities along the Coast are dropping out of school to join their parents in fishing or beach-related businesses.
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Mutisya warned that failure to invest in education could lead to long-term consequences for the community, including unemployment, insecurity, and stagnation in development.
He appealed to parents to take advantage of government-sponsored programs, including TVETs and school bursary programs for students, to ensure no child is left behind.
“Education is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It empowers individuals, uplifts families, and builds the nation,” he said.
The Deputy County Commissioner also urged parents to enrol their children in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to equip them with practical skills in areas such as the blue economy, hospitality, masonry, and carpentry, among other fields.
He stated that vocational training is crucial in preparing young people for self-employment and economic independence.
According to the DCC, empowering young people with hands-on skills is a strategic way to combat poverty and reduce social challenges such as crime and drug abuse, which are often fueled by unemployment.
“TVET courses provide a direct pathway to income generation,” he said. We must move away from the mentality that only white-collar jobs matter,” he said.
He added that technical skills are equally important in building communities.
By Omar Shaban
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