Juja Sub County Director of Education John Owino has urged parents in the area to enrol their children in schools to fight illiteracy and poverty.
Speaking during an education stakeholder’s workshop at Senate hotel in Juja town on Tuesday, Owino said that poverty and illiteracy can be effectively fought through education.
He advised parents and guardians in the sub county to ensure that their children attend school.
Owino urged parents to take advantage of the Free Primary School Programme and educate their children.
He noted that cases of illiteracy are still high in the area stating that it will be important for parents and society to take education seriously.
“We are asking parents and guardians to make sure that their children who have reached the required age to start school are enrolled,” he said.
The Juja Sub County Education Director said the government has taken various steps aimed at boosting access to education.
In order to keep pupils in school, Owino said that the government has started a feeding programme in public primary schools in the sub county.
The education official also encouraged parents to take keen interest in their children’s studies by monitoring their performance.
He at the same time cautioned students against drug use and instead put effort in their studies.
Owino noted that several cases of students who abuse drug have been reported in some schools within the sub county.
“Students both in primary schools, secondary schools and even universities should shun bad practices like drug abuse and put their energies on their education,” he said.
Owino said that drug abuse is one of the major challenges facing young people and more so students calling on teachers and parents to mentor their students in bid to curb drug abuse.
He asked government agencies mandated to fight drug and substance abuse to initiate more programmes and campaigns that will create awareness among the youths on the effects of drug abuse.