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Kenya: Shocked Churches Say Schools Unrest a Sign of Social Rot
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Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
25 July 2008
Posted to the web 25 July 2008
Limuru
The wave of student unrest sweeping across Kenyan secondary schools is evidence of a breakdown of social order and values, Protestant and evangelical churches said.
The violence, which has left two students dead and a trail of destruction in hundreds of schools, should be seen in the context of irresponsible leadership, the pre-election violence and hate speech, post-election violence and a sharp rise in crime, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) said on Thursday.
The organization called for "urgent corrective measures to forestall any further deterioration and devastation."
Factors responsible for the breakdown of the social order, according to NCCK, include loss of the fear of God and values, lack of hope among the people who no longer expect fairness and merit, erosion of respect for authority in the state, family, church and other spheres of life, hunger for power and money among politicians, corruption and abuse and a culture of impunity.
NCCK said the post-election violence was a wake-up call to address the moral and social breakdown in Kenya, as provided for by the National Accord that led to power-sharing between the opposition and ruling party. But politicians are only implementing the sections of the Accord that benefit them.
Implementation of Agenda 4 of the Accord which focused on addressing issues underlying the violence has been "systematically delayed and undermined," the church organization said. Under Agenda 4 the coalition government promised to provide a legal framework to address issues related to ethnicity, historical injustices, constitutional review and land.
"It is our considered opinion that if we do not comprehensively address the Agenda 4 items, we risk losing our nation."
NCCK proposed that the study of religious education be compulsory in schools and that the national curriculum be reviewd to reflect national values. Students should also be allowed enough time for worship and play.
The quota system that regulates admission to public secondary schools should be abolished so that students can study anywhere in the country.
Passing of examinations should be de-emphasized, with students being helped to realize that there is more to education. Guidance, counseling and chaplaincy services should be intensified in schools.
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"The solution to the challenges we have experienced in our educational institutions is in restoration of a wholesome education and development of a national value system," NCCK said.
The unrest can be attributed to three words-corruption, corruption, corruption! I am not surprised at all, what do you expect from these young men if all they see is an erosion of responsible behavior by the adults- from parents, to elders to leaders in public offices. A man's fame in Kenya is centered on two things; education and wealth. While there is no shortcut to the former, the youths in the country have discovered that you can get around to the latter. By all means possible. Yes, by all means possible as clearly modeled by our so called leaders and... [Read Full Text]
"These students have suffered and experienced the trauma of polygamy in their own homes. "
There are many distinguished leaders in Kenya (and in Africa and in USA) who grew up in polygamous homes.
"suffered"? "trauma"? Pray tell us: What is 'wrong' with polygamy? While you are at it, please enlighten us: What is "right" with monogamy?
[And how about celibacy?]
"The wave of student unrest ... is evidence of a breakdown of social order and values, Protestant and evangelical churches said"
1) When did these men of god get to know this? Shouldn't they have warned the Kenyans years, in fact centuries, BEFORE it came to pass? After all they speak with god, and god sees all in the past, present and future, right? So if these loud-mouths had this information for years, why didn't they vigorously prevail upon the Kenyans to work on our "social order and values"?
2) Maybe the CHRISTIAN churches did - but, as perceived... [Read Full Text]
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