Rights of Children in the Kenyan Primary School Curriculum
Loading...
Date
2013
Authors
Karugu, A. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Contemporary Research Center (CRC)
Abstract
Kenyans today are very conscious and assertive of their rights. In 2010, they ensured that basic
human rights are enshrined in the new constitution that they passed. Despite all this it is relevant to
question how knowledge about human rights is transmitted and acquired by young Kenyans. We
carried out a study in an attempt to provide an answer to this question. Using content analysis
method we examined the rights of children as discussed in various Social Studies text books
currently used in primary schools. The objective was to identify rights of the child, interrogate
them, compare and contrast how various authors/publishers have presented them. In addition, the
same method was used to identify and document incidents of violation of children rights as reported
in the Daily Nation. The major finding of this study is that the Social Studies curriculum in primary
schools as presented in the books that we examined adequately exposes young Kenyans to their
rights and related issues. Those who successfully complete primary school course can be taken to be
knowledgeable and aware of their rights. Examining the reported incidents in the Daily Nation
however showed that there is still a societal problem in protecting children from abuse. Children are
vulnerable and defenseless .Generally they are not capable of asserting their rights. This is evident,
especially, in situations where violators of children rights are people close to them such as parents,
guardians and teachers.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 1 No. 5; 2013 pp 65-74