By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Merisa Kiddo cloud academy from Busia has held a grandparent’s day to honor and appreciate them for their role in development of their grandchildren and involvement in their academic
Mercy Wanyonyi, director Merisa Kiddo cloud academy said the celebration of grandparents in the school is because of the role they play in the unity and family set up. She indicated that many of them have been left with the role of ensuring their grandchildren are getting education and are not appreciated.
“They are the pillars of the family and in the development of a child, they play a big role in shaping the morals of their grandchildren through their wise counsels and that’s why we consider them more precious to our children. This day also helps to appreciate them for what they are doing in our community and show them that we still value them even as they continue to help their grandchildren” she said.
Wanyonyi said when grandparents help in the development of a child at a young age, it forms the foundation for a well responsible individual in future.
“When we include them in our sessions, we are telling our learners that family is not only of father and mother, but they are also part of the family. While growing up, our grandparents were the ones who had the roles of shaping our characters through riddles, wise sayings and stories, something we should rekindle.”
She challenged the parents to ensure that those beliefs that help in shaping their children’s behaviors and morals have not been forgotten in today’s digital era.
“Our traditions and beliefs still play a role in the development of our children despite the world growing more digitally. Initially, a child belonged to the community and this helped in shaping the morals of children unlike the digital world where the role of taking care and shaping a child has been left to the parents alone and this has resulted in the emerging generation with the morals problem.” She said
Grandparents led by Makokha Khalonyere, retired head teacher, said the day helps in building the relationship between them and their grandchildren for a better family.
“The relationship should begin from grandparents, to come down to their children then to grandchildren in giving direction. Every family must have a leader and this depends on how the grandparents raised their families. This will enable one to understand his role in the community. The result will be improved in family stabilities, relationship and in education in the country” he said
He asked the schools to ensure they include grandparents in their sessions at a younger age so that they can be taught about the traditions of the communities.
“Lets teach about character, unity and good relationship between the community. When we include this group of people in the education of these children, they will be able to give their wisdom on good morals to children from a young age so as they grow knowing the importance of being responsible individuals. These children will also grow up knowing the traditions of the community.” He said.
Beldine Ajila, the school head teacher said the event helps to create a connection between the generations.
“We are encouraging the young people to have a connection with their grandparents so that they can learn good ethics, discipline and also be able to learn about what happened in the past. We need to go back to our cultures and understand ourselves better”
She said celebrating grandparents in schools gives them a sense of being embraced and loved as most of them live lonely lives.
“When they feel appreciated, it is a loving affection to them. Let’s continue to embrace and love them so that they feel motivated and proud” she said.
