Arms Around Africa Foundation education director Steven Katabalwa has urged parents to seek spiritual renewal and take greater responsibility for their children’s welfare as Primary Seven pupils prepare for national examinations.
The Director of Education at Arms Around Africa Foundation, Steven Katabalwa, has urged parents to seek God’s forgiveness through prayer and repentance, arguing that harmful behaviour within families could undermine children’s well-being and future prospects.
Katabalwa made the call during a dedication ceremony for Primary Seven candidates at a nursery and primary school in Mukono District ahead of the forthcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
He challenged parents to reflect on their conduct and seek spiritual renewal, saying hatred and other negative behaviours within families could affect children’s progress and prospects for a successful future.
Katabalwa observed that although many parents turn to God when their children face important milestones, including examinations, some fail to take responsibility for addressing their own wrongdoing.
“Hatred, among other bad deeds, has become the order of the day, but many parents have not taken a step to repent before our living God. Yet, they need His help, especially when their children are preparing for examinations,” Katabalwa said.
He further warned that what he described as transgenerational curses could affect successive generations if families failed to address underlying problems through repentance and changes in behaviour.
“This does not end with one generation. It is a transgenerational curse that follows families and communities, and it needs to be stopped,” he added.
Katabalwa encouraged parents to embrace prayer and responsible conduct, saying preparation for examinations and life beyond school should involve both academic support and spiritual guidance.
Meanwhile, the school director, Sylvia Harriet Namasigo, emphasised the role of prayer in shaping pupils’ character and preparing them for future responsibilities.
Namasigo said the school had made prayer part of its daily routine, encouraging pupils to grow in faith, seek God’s guidance and remain focused on their academic and personal goals.
“We believe in the importance of prayer. We have made it a habit to bring up our pupils in God’s presence through daily prayers, seeking His guidance and encouraging them to have faith in Him,” Namasigo said.
She also urged parents to devote more time to their children, monitor their welfare and fulfil their responsibilities during the school term and the forthcoming long holidays.
Namasigo cautioned that children still need parental attention, provision and supervision when schools close, urging parents not to leave them without guidance during the holiday period.
She encouraged parents to work closely with teachers and school administrators to ensure pupils remain disciplined, supported and focused on their education as they prepare for their examinations.
The dedication ceremony brought together pupils, parents and school administrators for spiritual encouragement ahead of the national examinations.
It also highlighted the shared responsibility of families and schools in supporting children’s academic, moral and personal development.