Opinion

Five years down the road and we are back at it again—the campaigns, the noise, the different political party primaries (kamyufu), the endless halt in the traffic, the debates and divisions among  people, the rise in violence and so much yet to unfold.

Even with its strengths, traditional parenting can sometimes feel too strict for children today. Too many rules may limit children’s ability to express themselves, and they might find it hard to openly share their feelings. Additionally, some traditional ideas may seem outdated and not fit well in today’s fast-changing world.

In most African homes however, when people are asked to regulate how much responsibility to give to a child, they think the children are being lazy. The pressure to be perfect fronts every decision they are about to make. It has to be spotless since those after them are watching and could pick a leaf. Not many really make an effort to check up on them. 

It’s often portrayed as an ideal way to connect and intentionally get to know someone on a deeper level to determine if they’re a suitable partner for a long-term, committed relationship, leading to marriage.

Many men who become fathers today grew up without positive father figures. This absence of good role models often leads to difficulties in parenting. Without examples of nurturing and supportive fatherhood, some men lack the knowledge or understanding of how to effectively care for and guide their children. This gap can sometimes result in harmful behaviours, including harshness or abuse, as negative patterns from their own childhoods are repeated.

From the outset of his papacy, Pope Francis has championed a radical approach to environmentalism, urging global leaders to recognize their moral responsibility towards creation. His encyclical, “Laudato Si”: On Care for Our Common Home, serves as a clarion call to all humankind. In it, he emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the detrimental impact of human activity on the environment. He presents a compelling argument that caring for our planet is not merely a political or scientific issue but a deeply spiritual one. 

The issue of drug and substance use is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, especially in schools and universities. Many children are involved in drug use, yet parents often remain unaware of what is happening in their lives.