Parents Encouraged to Guard Children Against Holiday Risks

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NDARAGWA: Young educationists in Ndaragwa Constituency, Nyandarua County, have called on parents to remain vigilant over the long holidays to protect their children from engaging in harmful activities and societal vices.

According to Kenya News Agency, Grace Maina, the treasurer of the Nyandarua County Tertiary Students Association and a former student of Muricho Primary School, emphasized the importance of community awareness about potential dangers children may face during extended breaks from school if left unsupervised. She made these remarks during a mentorship program at the school, highlighting the need for community involvement in safeguarding children.

Maina has been actively engaging with several schools in her capacity as a leader, and her efforts have been well-received by the community. She has called upon alumni to join in the mission of protecting children. As part of her initiative, Maina is organizing a football competition to draw in many young players from the region. The program aims to
impart life skills through teamwork and mentorship while also enhancing football skills.

Maina stated, “Football is more than just a game; it is a platform for teaching children about discipline, hard work, and the importance of giving back to the community. Our mentors are not only here to coach, they’re here to inspire.”

Echoing Maina’s sentiments, local resident James Ng’ang’a stressed the importance of online safety, urging parents to caution children against sharing personal information on the internet. He advised children to speak to adults if they encounter uncomfortable situations, particularly as social media usage spikes during holidays. Ng’ang’a also highlighted the prevalence of social vices such as drug abuse and sexual abuse during school breaks, urging parents to be alert to any warning signs their children may exhibit.

Lucy Wanjiru, a local parent, reinforced the message, stating that combating child abuse requires collective community awareness. “This is only possible by raising awareness
among communities,” she remarked.

The football tournament is scheduled for weekends, starting at 9 a.m., with matches played throughout the day. Winning teams will be rewarded with various prizes.