Thika West Sub-County Curriculum Support Officer, Jane Kariuki has urged parents to support the visually impaired students at the Salvation Army Thika School for the Blind.
Speaking during the recent stakeholders meeting at the institution aimed at enhancing the skills and potentials of all its learners, she emphasized the importance of parental support for the students.
“I urge all the parents to support the visually impaired students at this institution so that they can get the education that they deserve,” she said.
She urged parents to provide for their children without reservations, stressing the necessity of guidance and counseling during holidays.
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Kariuki encouraged parents to view their children as blessings rather than burdens and to strive just as hard for their success as they would for other children without challenges.
Kariuki highlighted the unique skills and capabilities of the learners, noting that some former students have gone on to hold significant positions in government.
However, she pointed out that despite the doubling of the student population, many have not yet mastered Braille. She called on well-wishers to contribute by purchasing adequate Braille materials for the students.
Expressing concern, Kariuki criticized parents who abandon and stigmatize their children, even failing to provide transportation fare when schools close.
She advised parents to avoid directing anger, unnecessary criticism, rejection, belittling, and sarcasm towards the learners. Instead, she urged them to listen to their children before offering counsel to help build their character.
“Imagine some irresponsible parents have been using their children as cash sows, some also lock up the children in their houses to avoid the burden of taking care of their children,” she posed.
By Hillary Muhalya
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