Kanyi Gioko (Ph.D.), Career Educationist, Researcher, Digital Content and Curriculum Developer./COURTERSYDear Kenyan Parent, Once again, we find ourselves at a familiar moment; hundreds of thousands of children have just completed their stage assessments and now have nearly three months before they transition to the next level. Our KPSEA and KJSEA candidates have cleared their assessments and are waiting for the next phase, expected to begin in January next year.
The big question is, what do we do with these young minds, full of energy, curiosity, and now, with plenty of free time on their hands?
Every young person feels a sense of liberation after completing a milestone. The world suddenly feels open and full of possibilities. This can be a wonderful opportunity, or a risky period, depending on how we, as parents and guardians, help them navigate it.
While this situation may feel like a dilemma for many parents, the solution need not be complicated. The key resource we can wisely utilize is time. These long holidays present a golden opportunity to engage our children in real-life interactions that contribute to their holistic growth. This is the time to introduce them to the real world and to nurture skills that build self-reliance and character.
Today, there are many organizations and community initiatives offering peer mentorship programmes for learners. Take time to research and enroll your child in a camp or program that imparts soft skills, leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence , all vital for life’s journey.
In addition, this is the perfect season to help them learn practical skills that are valuable anywhere in the world , such as cooking, knitting, painting, coding, swimming, driving, photography, or graphic design. Encourage them to explore trades and hobbies that align with their passions. There is deep fulfillment when one’s career, passion, and hobbies align to create a meaningful, productive life.
These skills will prepare our children for the realities of life, fostering independence, adaptability, and creativity. In today’s fast-changing, borderless world, academic knowledge alone is not enough. As they wait for their academic transition, let them learn survival and entrepreneurial skills that will empower them wherever they go.
Skills such as first aid, cooking, and driving are universal necessities. We must encourage our children to explore multiple fields and avoid the trap of skill compartmentalization, which often limits growth and innovation. Traditionally, many parents have pushed their children toward being doctors or engineers , and that’s admirable , but it’s equally valuable to know how to flip pancakes, repair a car, or dress a wound. These skills make them more resilient, grounded, and human.
In the modern world, a plumber, electrician, or digital designer can earn a substantial income and enjoy professional freedom. These careers are no longer “blue-collar” but high-value trades that reward dedication and expertise. Let us, therefore, recalibrate our thinking and move beyond outdated notions of success or failure. There is no failure in life, only lessons. Our role as parents is to equip our children with a wide range of both technical and soft skills, giving them the tools to create their own paths with confidence.
Dear parents, this is the 21st century. The world our children are growing up in is vastly different from the one we knew. Let us embrace this new reality with open minds. Support your children. Allow them to learn, make mistakes, and rise again. This is the process that builds strong, compassionate, and capable human beings.
God bless you. God bless Kenya.
The writer is a career educationist, researcher, and digital content and curriculum developer. He comments on topical issues
