Children’s participation in Mashujaa celebrations key to instilling patriotism
As the country celebrated its heroes yesterday, letting school children participate in Mashujaa day was seen as key to instilling patriotism and inspiration to fight for greatness in their journeys of life.
Pupils from 5 primary schools were invited to perform different entertainment activities such as participating in the police parade, reciting poems, and performing traditional songs during the celebration of Kenyan heroes at Karisa in Kilifi.
While it is crucial in developing the patriotic feelings of children, it is also important to evoke respect for the veterans as well as give motivation to young people to aspire for great achievements in the course of serving their country.
Kilifi County scouts coordinator Madam Muthoni Ireri has been at the forefront in leading groups of children who are members of scouts to join national celebrations and even take part in parades.
Ireri, who is also a teacher at St. Thomas Girls school in Kilifi said the events give the children good exposure as they get to see their leaders and also get a practical part of learning since the national holidays are taught in their syllabus.
“Involving children in these celebrations is very important. First, it becomes exposure for the child. Today we have had children from Dzikunze, they have come to celebrate with the governor and it has been a lesson for them because they have hanged out with their peers. These celebrations are in their syllabus and they are taught at school” she said.
Engaging school kids not only makes them learn about their country but also makes them define their identity; their place in the historical period, and cultural conditions and observe the values of national culture.
Madam Ireri explained that the long-term effect of involving children is that the patriotic spirit will make them uphold the values hence making them good and productive citizens in the future.
“Teaching a child patriotic things will instill them with good virtues. A child who is a patriot will not do things that are not good for their community. He will not be a thief nor a murderer, he will know that he is a patriot who defends his country, its citizens, and neighbors”, she said.
She urged the government to make Mashujaa day celebrations also take place in schools, especially the boarding schools where they don’t get the chance to join the public in marking the day so that schools can accomplish civic and patriotic education of children.
Kisumundogo village elder Monica Mwenda, who was happy to be part of the celebrated Kenyans for maintaining peace in Kilifi, commended the children’s presence during the event saying it gives them a better understanding of the history.
She added that more children should be allowed to take part in such national events to aid their learning and on the other hand build a patriotic nation.
“The involvement of children in these celebrations is that as they grow up, they will have the history of Mashujaa day, to the extent that it will be a memory in their minds. They will understand it better because it is a history that every Kenyan should know well”, she said.