Lighthouse Grace Academy Urges Parents to Embrace Holistic Education, Responsible Technology Use

By Elijah Odanga | Lolwe Digital Media

NAIROBI, Kenya on 16th October 2026

 Lighthouse Grace Academy has urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s education, character development and use of technology, saying academic excellence alone is not enough to prepare learners for the challenges of the future.

Speaking during the school’s end-of-year celebration and graduation ceremony, Mrs Regina emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between parents and teachers to nurture responsible, confident, innovative and disciplined learners.

She said education should go beyond examination results to focus on the holistic development of children by equipping them with practical skills, confidence, knowledge and strong moral values.

“Education is not confined to a four-walled classroom. It is holistic. We do not want our learners to excel in examinations alone; we want to educate the whole person and mould them into responsible citizens,” Mrs Regina said.

She urged parents to continue supporting learning at home, particularly during school holidays, by encouraging children to read, participate in practical activities and develop new skills.

Mrs Regina reminded graduates that completing one stage of education should not mark the end of learning but rather the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery, growth and personal development.

She also cautioned parents against allowing children to spend excessive time watching television or using mobile phones without supervision, urging families to balance digital engagement with reading, family interaction and household responsibilities.

School Promotes Innovation and Robotics

Lighthouse Grace Academy highlighted its investment in technology and practical learning through its Young Innovators Club and Robotics Club, which are designed to develop creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills among learners.

During the ceremony, the school showcased learners’ projects, including robotics demonstrations, traffic-light systems and a smart bin designed to open automatically when someone approaches it.

Mrs Regina said the projects demonstrated the ability of learners to transform ideas into practical solutions when provided with appropriate guidance and learning opportunities.

She attributed the progress to the school’s computer laboratory, equipped with laptops, tablets and desktop computers, as well as the commitment of teachers who guide learners in exploring technological innovations.

The speaker encouraged parents to enrol their children in the innovation programmes, noting that early exposure to technology could prepare them for future careers in engineering, programming, invention and other technology-related fields.

However, she warned that unsupervised access to smartphones, online platforms and electronic games could expose children to inappropriate content and harmful influences.

“Technology should be a tool for growth, not a distraction from learning, family or personal development,” she said.

Parents were encouraged to establish healthy boundaries around screen time, monitor the content their children access and create opportunities for meaningful conversations at home.

Parents Urged to Lead by Example

Mrs Regina further emphasised that character development is a shared responsibility between parents and teachers, noting that children learn not only from what adults tell them but also from their behaviour.

She urged parents to demonstrate respect, patience, integrity, accountability and kindness, warning that conduct that undermines teachers and other authority figures could negatively influence learners.

She also cautioned parents against making premature judgments when children report disagreements with teachers, urging them to seek clarification and establish the facts before reacting.

The speaker stressed the importance of teaching children to apologise when they are wrong, respect others and practise courtesy in their daily interactions.

She identified simple expressions such as “please,” “thank you,” “I am sorry,” “excuse me” and “may I” as essential tools for developing good manners and respectful communication.

Teachers at the academy were commended for their commitment to nurturing learners academically and morally. Mrs Regina noted that staff members regularly meet to discuss teaching approaches and identify ways of improving learners’ overall development.

Academy Emphasises Practical Skills and Responsibility

The school also outlined plans to expand practical learning opportunities, particularly among kindergarten learners, to help children develop independence, creativity and a sense of responsibility from an early age.

Mrs Regina encouraged parents to introduce children to age-appropriate household activities, gardening, cooking and other practical tasks that can equip them with useful life skills.

The proposed activities include growing vegetables such as spinach and kale, as well as introducing learners to baking and preparing snacks during school holidays.

According to the school, such initiatives would help learners appreciate the value of work, develop entrepreneurial thinking and discover their abilities beyond the classroom.

Parents were encouraged to support the proposed kindergarten activities by providing black aprons for learners in Playgroup, PP1 and PP2 as the school prepares to introduce additional hands-on learning programmes.

Mrs Regina said practical education could help children become resourceful and prepare them to identify opportunities within their communities.

School Mourns Death of PP1 Learner

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the school community to reflect on the challenges experienced during the year, including the death of a young PP1 learner identified as Kingi.

Mrs Regina described the loss as a painful moment for the school community and offered prayers for the departed learner, asking that his soul rest in peace.

The school also acknowledged the economic difficulties facing families across the country, noting that the rising cost of living had affected households and institutions alike.

Despite the challenges, parents were thanked for their continued commitment to keeping their children in school and supporting their education.

Call for National Unity and Peace

Mrs Regina concluded by urging Kenyans to pray for the country, its leadership and all citizens, including those serving in government and the opposition.

She called for peace, unity and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.

The school also thanked teachers for their dedication throughout the academic year and parents for their continued partnership and support.

Graduates were encouraged to carry the values of Lighthouse Grace Academy into the next stage of their education and lives.

The ceremony celebrated learners’ achievements while reinforcing the school’s commitment to nurturing a generation that combines academic knowledge with strong character, practical skills, innovation and responsible citizenship.