Meru County nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni has called on parents to avoid reprimanding their children over their performance in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination results.
Speaking in Ngarendare, in the Buuri Constituency, Ms. Muthoni cautioned against such action, saying the criticism was likely to drive the children to take extreme reactions, including committing suicide.
Ms. Muthoni called on parents to discuss the results in a friendly manner, especially for those who performed below expectation, with a view to charting a way forward.
“Failing in examinations doesn’t mean the end of the world. Parents should understand that their children scored their rightful grades and concentrate on the next move in life. Too much reprimanding may make them lose their esteem and even think of taking their lives,” said Ms Muthoni.
She added that there were various avenues to be taken even by those who scored Es including enrolling in Technical and Vocational Education Training institutions where they can acquire skills that will help them shape their future.
She lauded a program dubbed ‘Ujuzi Mashinani’ initiated by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiiri, adding that it will play a key role in absorbing some of those who score low grades in the examinations.
The program focuses on imparting technical skills to young people in the rural areas, after which they immediately move on to apply the skills to earn a living or transit to TVETs for further training.
“We are happy that this program is here with us and has produced young people who have even gone on to work in foreign countries under the popular ‘Kazi Majuu’ program. Those who scored low in their exams can take this opportunity to acquire skills that will positively impact their lives,” said Ms. Muthoni.
“I want to congratulate all the candidates who sat the 2024 examinations, whether they scored As or Es. This is their effort, and I assure you that each one of them has a place to acquire education and training that can help them in the future,” said Ms. Muthoni.
By Dickson Mwiti