The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kipkelion Branch has made a strong appeal for the hiring of chaplains in schools as a measure to instil discipline among learners. The branch’s Executive Secretary, David Bore, highlighted this need during the union’s recent annual general meeting (AGM), emphasizing that the introduction of chaplains is a crucial step in ensuring proper student behavior in the absence of corporal punishment.
Speaking at the AGM, Bore underscored the challenges that schools face in maintaining discipline following the outlawing of caning under the Child Act. He pointed out that while the legal framework has shifted, the need for effective disciplinary measures remains critical. “The important thing now is guidance and counselling. This is why as a union, we have been pushing for the hiring of chaplains in schools so that they can provide that missing link in terms of maintenance of law and order,” he noted.
Bore further explained that the societal and generational changes have rendered traditional disciplinary methods obsolete. “We know that caning is outlawed under the Child Act and amending this is difficult. We have to accept that things have changed. The children we have now are not the ones we used to handle years back,” he added. This acknowledgment reflects a broader understanding of the evolving dynamics in the education sector, where new approaches are necessary to address contemporary challenges.
The call for chaplains is rooted in the belief that they can play a pivotal role in guidance and counselling, areas that are increasingly seen as essential for student development. Chaplains, with their training in spiritual and moral guidance, are viewed as well-positioned to offer the support and mentorship that students need. This is especially relevant in a context where many students may lack access to positive role models and structured moral guidance.
In addition to the call for chaplains, Bore also condemned inappropriate teacher-student relationships, which have had detrimental effects on learners. He highlighted the issue of teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as significant concerns. These relationships not only disrupt the educational journey of affected students but also pose serious health risks. “Such relationships impact learners in a bad way, with most of them ending up as teen mothers or contracting sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
The executive secretary’s remarks point to a broader issue within the education system, where the boundaries between teachers and students need to be strictly maintained to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment. The presence of chaplains could potentially help in addressing these issues by providing students with alternative avenues for support and advice.
The proposal by the KNUT Kipkelion Branch is not without precedent. Various educational systems around the world have incorporated chaplaincy services, recognizing the positive impact they can have on student behavior and overall school culture. Chaplains can offer a unique combination of pastoral care, ethical guidance, and emotional support, which can be instrumental in shaping well-rounded and disciplined individuals.
However, the implementation of such a proposal would require careful consideration and planning. It would necessitate collaboration between educational authorities, religious organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that chaplains are appropriately trained and that their role is clearly defined within the school setting. Moreover, it would be essential to ensure that the inclusion of chaplains respects the diverse religious beliefs of all students and their families.
In conclusion, the call by KNUT Kipkelion Branch for the hiring of chaplains in schools is a significant step towards addressing the disciplinary challenges faced by modern educational institutions. By focusing on guidance and counselling, this initiative aims to provide students with the moral and emotional support they need to thrive in a changing world. As the education sector continues to evolve, such innovative approaches will be crucial in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
