Parents urged to instil Islamic values in children amid growing social media influence
Social media and technology advancement has exposed children to harmful influences capable of eroding societal values
Parents have been urged to nurture their children with strong Islamic values and ethics to help them navigate the challenges of the modern world while preparing them for success in both this life and the hereafter.
Health Cabinet Secretary made the appeal on Wednesday during the graduation ceremony at Olive Crescent International School in Nairobi, where he served as the chief guest.
Duale said rapid technological advancement and the widespread use of social media had created unprecedented challenges for young people, making moral and religious guidance more important than ever.
He noted that while technology has revolutionised education and communication, it has also exposed children to harmful influences capable of eroding societal values if left unchecked.
"The current climate is very hostile to children. While social media and technological advancement are productive tools, they also have a downside that has drastic effects on our children," Duale said.
He stressed that Islamic ethics serve as a vital moral compass, protecting young people from negative influences while nurturing discipline, integrity, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized on the critical role of Islamic education in shaping children into responsible and productive citizens capable of contributing positively to society as he emphasized that competency-based learning infused with Islamic education would produce graduates who excel academically while upholding strong moral values.
"While it is good to have doctors, engineers and lawyers, it is even better to have ethical leaders and professionals who possess Islamic character and integrate Islamic values into their work and daily lives," he said.
Learners and parents during the graduation ceremony of Olive Crescent International School
Related
Duale also reflected on the remarkable progress made in Muslim education over the past two decades, noting that integrated Islamic schools, once a rarity, have become an important part of Kenya's education landscape.
He observed that the number of Muslim students pursuing higher education has increased significantly, describing it as a testament to sustained investment in education by the Muslim community. "Today, in some public universities, Muslims make up nearly 30 per cent of the student population, whereas a few decades ago their numbers were negligible," he said.
While calling on Muslims to remain steadfast in preserving their religious identity, Duale emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people of different faiths. He said Kenya's religious diversity should be viewed as a source of national strength, urging citizens to promote unity, tolerance and harmony.
Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim, who also addressed the gathering, praised the tremendous gains made in Muslim education and urged the community to safeguard the achievements for future generations.
He recalled that many Muslim students of his generation attended schools where they were compelled to participate in religious programmes that did not reflect their faith. "Some of us studied in national schools and were forced to attend services in chapels. Today, our children are learning in Islamic schools that integrate both religious and secular education. This is a milestone that should be appreciated and protected," he said.
Farah who is a former deputy Speaker of Parliament, also paid tribute to the people of Sudan for their longstanding contribution to education in Kenya, noting that thousands of Kenyan professionals had benefited from educational opportunities and support extended by Sudan over the years. He said many accomplished Kenyan scholars, professionals and leaders owe part of their academic journey to Sudan's generosity and commitment to education.
The legislator further commended Sheikh Said Rageah for his immense contribution to education and the propagation of Islam, describing him as a visionary scholar whose efforts have transformed the lives of countless young people in Kenya and beyond.
Among those present at the ceremony were Sudan's Ambassador to Kenya Kamal Gabara, Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad, National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) Secretary-General Salim Vayani, renowned educationist Fatuma Saman among other dignitaries.
Founded by the renowned Canadian Islamic scholar Sheikh Siad Rageah, Olive Crescent International School offers an integrated curriculum that combines Cambridge curriculum with Islamic studies and Qur'an memorisation. The institution seeks to nurture learners who are academically competent, morally upright and firmly grounded in Islamic values.
