By Cynthia Masibo and Aoma Keziah,
In a resounding call to action, the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) convened to tackle pressing challenges facing the region. From education reform to healthcare crises and economic hardships, the Assembly addressed a spectrum of issues affecting communities across East Africa.
One of the central topics discussed was the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in the education sector. The Assembly emphasized the need for thorough implementation strategies to ensure the effectiveness of the new curriculum in equipping students with relevant skills for the modern world. Furthermore, the Assembly urged the government to dissolve any educational issues hindering the smooth execution of the CBC, emphasizing the importance of quality education in fostering national development.
Turning its attention to healthcare, the PCEA called for urgent intervention in the ongoing strike by health practitioners. The Assembly emphasized the critical role of healthcare workers in ensuring the well-being of society and urged stakeholders to expedite negotiations to resolve the strike and mitigate its impact on public health services.
Addressing economic concerns, the Church called for the disbursement of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to provide financial relief to vulnerable populations and enhance access to healthcare services. Additionally, the Assembly highlighted the soaring cost of living, stressing the need for comprehensive measures to alleviate the financial burden on households.
In the agricultural sector, the Assembly voiced concern over the escalating cost of fertilizers, which poses a significant challenge to small-scale farmers. The Church called for government intervention to regulate fertilizer prices and support farmers in accessing affordable inputs to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
Highlighting the plight of youth unemployment, the Assembly underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in empowering young people and driving economic growth. The Church proposed initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship among youth, including skills development programs, access to financing, and mentorship opportunities.
In a spirit of solidarity, the PCEA emphasized the importance of collaborative action in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing humanity. The Assembly called upon stakeholders to work together in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues, recognizing the interconnected nature of global challenges.
As the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa concluded, its resolutions echoed a call for concerted efforts towards building a more just, equitable, and prosperous society. With a firm commitment to addressing pressing issues and advocating for positive change, the PCEA reaffirmed its role as a voice for the marginalized and a catalyst for social transformation in East Africa.
Mt Kenya Times