Over the years, the entire world has been struggling with various issues. At present, Covid-19 has held hostage all the governments of the world. Each Continent and Nation is making their own attempts to manage the pandemic. I believe, every household is trying their best to manage and contain the situation in their own style. Indeed, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”(2 Corinthians 4:8-9). In Kenya, it cannot escape our attention that the government is making every effort to curb the spread of the virus. Beloved, I urge you to adhere to the guidelines at your level as a family and individual.
I know this is a very challenging period for parents, children and especially the candidates. To the parents, it is an uphill task since you must play the role of the ‘usual’ teacher. This ranges from introducing new concepts to giving assignments and to supervise the work given among others. To learners it is survival for the fittest. I guess to the lazy ones, it is a joy riding period, while those who had already registered for the national examination at whichever level it is a dilemma. Whichever way, life has to continue. I dare say that these are temporal circumstances of life. Every battle has an expiry date. However, dark a night is, there is always a daybreak. The struggle continues! Remember, amidst the situation such as the one we are in at the moment, God is well versed with it even before it happened. As an Omniscient One, He declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega…who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
In their edited book title, Christian Education: Foundations of the Future, Robert E, Lin J and Allyn K observe that Children’s work is not to be despised. God is willing to care for children with guardian angels (Matthew 18:10). In addition, in His teachings, Jesus Christ was clear that the Christian duty to the child is absolutely binding. He emphasized that the child is the very pattern of the Kingdom. Friends, this means that Jesus, the master teacher provided essential directives for church and family education. On this note, I must reiterate that this is the moment that as parents, homeschooling must be a reality to us. At least, at our level, there is a part we can play however little it may seem. There is need to engage with our children in various ways.
To begin with, this is the period parents need to capitalize and learn more about their children. In many occasions, as a teacher I have witnessed many parents deny and disown certain unbecoming traits of their children when informed about such. Kindly, as a parent, take your time and be in the world of your child so that you are not surprised at them when invited at school on their account.
Again, as a believer (Christian) parent, this is the moment you can be a shepherd to your children. This is critical since even worship places are locked down. No congregating for fellowship. The religious leaders we normally rely on are no longer within the physical reach. You can even help your children memorize a Bible verse(s) or more daily or weekly. They will remain to remember and also not forget such gestures from a parent.
Moreover, for the purpose of their school work, kindly make attempts to be in touch with a class teacher of your child. The teachers can guide or suggest certain tasks relevant to the child while at home at such a time as this. For those with candidates, encourage them and assure them that they will go back to school and do the examination. If you have a candidate in high school taking Christian Religious Education (CRE), kindly try to do most of your Bible study or reading as a family from the Gospel of Luke. This is because it is the gospel book being examined. This will enhance their revision too.
Finally, be encouraged in the Lord that sorrow may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Remember that in the absence of darkness we would not appreciate light! Despite the challenge of the moment, may our hope be anchored in the Lord, God of the heavens. I must believe that, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
By: Rev. Wilson Okonjo Adongo, BSK Life Member, PhD (Religious Studies-KU) Candidate
Teacher at Maranda High School
Email: williceokonjo@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: +254 721 564 094
