Kwale Deputy Governor urges parents to be active partners in education

Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo has urged parents to take an active role in supporting their children’s education, saying their involvement is critical to academic success and future opportunities.

Speaking while he presided over the prize-giving ceremony of the 2024 KCSE graduating class at Kingwede Girls Secondary School in Kwale County, Kombo called on parents and guardians to go beyond merely paying school fees and become more engaged in their children’s learning process, also adding that while schools provide knowledge, the foundation of a child’s success is built at home.

“Let us be the wind beneath their wings. Our support at home is as important as the lessons they receive in school,” he said.

The County second in command further urged parents to ensure that children have a safe and encouraging environment where they can dream, grow, and achieve, also encouraging them to instill discipline, hard work, and a love for learning in their children, saying the values are key to transforming not just individual lives but the entire community.

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Kombo noted that some children in the county face challenges such as absenteeism, early pregnancies, drug abuse, and lack of motivation issues that could be mitigated with stronger parental guidance and mentorship.

He also called on local leaders, teachers, and religious institutions to join hands with families in promoting education, especially among girls and children from marginalized backgrounds.

“As a county government, we are committed to supporting the education sector through bursaries, school feeding programs, and infrastructure development. But none of this will bear fruit if parents are not fully on board,” he said.

The event marked a significant milestone, with 60 students qualifying for university admission and the school KCSE class of 2024 attaining a Mean grade of C- of 5.23 points.

Two top students scored a mean grade of B+, five B, 17 B- and 36 C+, all qualifying for university entry.

Kombo applauded the academic success of the students, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents, and the county government.

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He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to improving livelihoods through education.

“Education is the greatest equalizer. Through our continued investment in the ‘Elimu Ni Sasa’ bursary program, we are ensuring that no bright student is left behind,” he said.

He further revealed that over 4000 students from Kwale are currently enrolled in national schools and universities through the county’s flagship Elimu Ni Sasa bursary initiative.

BY SHABAN OMAR