Parents urged to help nurture their children's talents

Nakuru County Chief Officer in charge of Gender, Culture and Social services, Ms Tume Abduba has urged parents to help their children discover their talents outside academic fields.

Ms Tume said that with the country embracing the competency-based curriculum, many pupils were bound to exhibit their talents.

“I urge parents to discard that notion that it is only in the academic fields that their children can excel. Parents should also support their children discover their talents,” said Ms Abduba on Thursday.

VICTORY

She was speaking at Regina Pacis Elimu School when she joined teachers and pupils to celebrate the victory of upcoming gospel musician Whitney Kerubo Mabea following her victory at the international scene.

Whitney, 10, was declared winner of the “Outstanding Junior Minister of Excellence award” in this year’s Maranatha Global Worship Music Awards at an event held in May at the Nairobi Safari Club.

Whitney emerged best out of 15 finalists drawn from Liberia, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzanian, South Africa and Kenya.

“Whitney managed to win the global because of the support she received from her parents and teachers after discovering her talent,” said Ms Abduba.

She said, if well implemented, the competency-based curriculum will encourage children to realise their dreams.

DREAMS

Ms Abduba said the popular gospel singer Kelvin Bahati as a classic example of young artist who is living his dream and earning good money courtesy of his talent in music.

“Bahati’s life story is very inspirational and he has been able to change his fortunes because he was encouraged to follow his passion at an early age,” said Ms Abduba.

She said many established artists like Churchill (Daniel Ndambuki) and popular comedian Chipukeezy (Vincent Mwasia Mutua) among many others owe their success to early discovery of their talents.

“This talent support initiative should not be left to teachers, alone, but it should be a collective responsibility of all key players in the growth of the child and other stakeholders who wish to see the future generations live decent lives by exploiting their talents,” she added.

EMPLOYMENT

She said that her department was supporting the development of talents among the youth in the county in a bid to create employment among the youth.  

“Under the leadership of Governor Lee Kinyanjui, the Nakuru Player’s Theatre has been revamped and equipped with a modern recording studio,” she said.

She called on upcoming artists to work hard and shun immoral activities like taking drugs and alcohol that might derail their dreams.

“With hard work, commitment and living upright lives, artists can create wealth and job opportunities for their colleagues,” said Ms Abduba.