- Parents in Kwale County have been urged to take greater responsibility in raising, guiding and protecting their children.
- Zamara Foundation has been holding community dialogues to encourage parents, teachers and elders to jointly address child protection challenges.
- Local leaders have called for stronger parent-child communication and closer cooperation between families and schools.
Parents in Kwale County have been urged to play a more active role in raising, guiding and protecting their children amid growing concerns over the effects of parental neglect.
The County Children’s Department earlier this year linked inadequate parental care to widespread violations of children’s rights and increasing cases of indiscipline among children in the region.
Speaking at Kombani in Matuga Sub-County, Zamara Foundation Community Coordinator Risper Kengere said protecting children requires joint efforts by families, schools and community leaders. She said the foundation was conducting community dialogues to encourage parents, teachers and elders to work together in addressing challenges affecting children.
“We are holding community dialogues to ensure that parents, teachers and elders collectively and inclusively take responsibility for raising and protecting children,” Kengere said.
She noted that parental neglect had been associated with problems such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages and substance abuse among children, stressing that parents and other community stakeholders must create safe and supportive environments where children receive proper care, guidance and protection both at home and within the community.
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Kengere also urged security agencies to intensify public education on laws protecting children, saying increased awareness would enable residents to understand their obligations, identify abuse and neglect, and report cases to the relevant authorities. She called on parents to remain attentive to changes in their children’s behaviour, friendships and daily activities, noting that effective parenting requires regular communication, supervision and guidance.
Kombani village elder Mohamed Said said schools and communities should strengthen cooperation to ensure children experiencing neglect, abuse or other forms of vulnerability are identified and assisted early. He said child protection should not be left to schools or government agencies alone, urging parents to maintain close contact with teachers and local leaders when dealing with issues affecting their children.
“Parents must listen to their children and work closely with relevant authorities to ensure they are properly guided, supported and protected,” Said said.
He encouraged parents to establish open lines of communication with their children, saying strong family relationships could help overcome trust barriers and make it easier for children to speak about problems they encounter.
Kiteje Comprehensive School Headteacher Bintihamisi Danda warned that children who lack adequate parental supervision could be exposed to abuse, exploitation, substance use and other harmful practices. She urged parents to take an interest in their children’s academic progress, social circles and behaviour, saying early intervention could prevent problems from escalating.
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Danda also encouraged families to create homes where children feel comfortable discussing their difficulties without fear of harsh judgment or punishment, noting that teachers and parents must work as partners because schools cannot effectively address challenges facing children without active support from their families. She further urged parents to teach children how to make responsible choices and understand the risks associated with substance abuse, early sexual activity and other behaviours that could disrupt their education and future.
Youth representative and adviser Abas Mwayanga called on parents to rethink traditional approaches to communicating with children and young people. He urged families to move away from excessively harsh forms of discipline and embrace approaches that combine firmness with patience, understanding and mutual respect.
“Involving children in discussions about issues affecting their lives can help build stronger relationships between parents and their children,” Mwayanga said.
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