Parenting Beyond High School: Empowering Parents Through Community and Faith

Across our seven partner communities in Kenya, 124 parents of graduates from our high school sponsorship program recently gathered for a transformative day of dialogue on parenting beyond high school. Inspired by the verse “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6), the forums emphasized faith, communication, and career guidance as pillars of parental support. This year’s theme, “Future-Focused Parenting,” set the tone for meaningful conversations.

Key Takeaways from the Program:

1. Career Guidance: Parents learned strategies to guide their teens in making career decisions that align with their individuality, interests, and strengths.

2. Parental Influence: Insight was shared on how expectations, values, and attitudes shape children’s aspirations and career choices.

3. Effective Communication: Active listening skills and techniques were explored to foster open, respectful communication between parents and their children.

Faith anchored every session, with prayers offering spiritual nourishment and grounding participants. Parents were reminded of the profound role prayer plays in parenting, and the belief that God has a unique purpose for each child.

As the forums unfolded across the communities, parents exchanged ideas, shared their challenges, and voiced their aspirations. Paul, a participant from Bahati, reflected, “I have learned a lot and will come out of this a very knowledgeable man.” Susan from Magumu added, “Let’s remember our children have different talents and abilities, and support them in that.”

Parenting is a lifelong journey enriched by love, faith, and communication. These forums served as a testament to the power of collective learning and shared goals, helping parents foster independence, individuality, and resilience in their children. By embracing these principles, families can pave the way for both personal and professional growth.

Thank you for your continued support of Expansion International and for empowering crucial training programs like these. Together, we are laying the foundation for tomorrow's leaders and creating lasting change in Kenya.