Heralding Character Education in Schools: The Role of Integrity Clubs in Kenya

Abstract

Confucius once said- to put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order, to put the nation in order,

we must put the family in order, we must first cultivate, our personal life; we must first set out hearts right.

Education is of no value to a nation or humanity if it does not identify, expose, clarify and transmit the core of shared values that under grid that society. We enroll our children in school that they may grow and learn in stature, wisdom and conduct. That they may acquire knowledge, skills, values and right attitudes and learn to do things, learn to relate with others and learn to become. We enroll them in school that they may become responsible for their lives, be respectful to themselves and others, that they may become useful members of society and that the society may look up to them tomorrow. Both African indigenous education and missionary education believed in the teaching of good morality, teaching on how to live in order to be accepted and respected members of the society. Accepted values and norms such as honesty, generosity, diligence hospitality and respect for elders and others were part of the civic education.

This paper is premised on the belief that we cannot only teach our children how to read and write, but that we should be bold enough to teach them the difference between right and wrong. The paper discusses the role of integrity clubs in promoting character education in Kenya. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part gives a preview of the purpose African indigenous education and that of modern education, while the second part delves into the philosophical understanding of the purpose of education. The third part of the paper discusses the meaning and purpose of character education, while the fourth part of the paper discourses on the role of integrity club in promoting character education in Kenya.