The Roman Catholic church’s activities in realizing preferential option for the poor in schools in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

The present world is largely characterized by people who live in two opposite extremes, namely, the poor and the rich. More often, the challenge posed by poverty attracts the attention of governments and non-governmental organizations. Faith communities respond to the teaching of Scripture by establishing structures that empower the poor. The Roman Catholic Church’s commitment to empowering the poor is found in its social teaching and practice. Social amenities offered by the church range from provision of food, clothing, shelter, medical care and affordable quality education. In spite of such initiatives on the part of the church, poverty is rife. This study sought to: Explain the concept of preferential option for the poor from a Roman Catholic perspective; find out the activities of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret in the realization of preferential option for poor students in secondary schools; and identify challenges faced by the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret in its effort to realize preferential option for the poor. The study adopted descriptive mixed method cross- sectional design comprising qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The study population comprised of students from all Catholic sponsored schools in Uasin Gishu County. From the Diocesan Education Report of 2013, there were thirty-nine (39) Catholic sponsored secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County with a student population of 3,882 at the time of the study. The study also targeted 12 diocesan secretariat staff, 4 county education officials, 4 executive managers of Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Gaba campus and 4 other priests who are experts in Catholic social teachings. A sample of 351 students, 9 head teachers, and 28 teachers were drawn from those schools. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting 24 key informants, 12 from Catholic Diocesan secretariat, 4 priests, 4 officials from the Ministry of Education in the County and 4 members of the management at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Gaba Campus). Schools were selected using simple random sampling technique while teachers and diocesan education officials were purposively sampled. Kathuri and Pals’ formula was employed in sampling student population. Questionnaire and interview schedule guide were the main tools of data collection. The data from the open-ended items in the questionnaire and the semi-structured items in the interviews was transcribed and qualitatively analysed using thematic approach. They were interpreted and presented alongside quantitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistic which involved frequencies and percentages. Analysed data was presented using cumulative frequency tables, percentages and pie charts. On the Catholic understanding of preferential option for the poor, the results indicated that the option was given an impetus in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ whose messianic activities fulfilled what the prophets of old had foretold. Based on this understanding, the diocese has served the community through establishing schools, hospitals and other amenities as a way of caring for the poor. On activities in realizing option for the poor in catholic schools, the study found that the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret runs programmes aimed at helping poor children within its institutions. These activities are conducted within the Church and others that are school based. Regarding the challenges faced by the church in implementing preferential option for the poor, most of the respondents noted that inadequate finances affected implementation of catholic-initiated projects. The respondents indicated that the laity need to be involved more in church projects from the onset. It is anticipated that the findings will be useful to policy makers, the Church and all those keen on poverty alleviation. Through the study, a scholarship programme or a revised school fees structure for learners from avi poor background is recommended so that the poor can access quality learning. The study also established that there are several Church-managed projects meant to support needy students. Inadequate funds; against a high number of needy students in schools is one of the major challenges faced by the Church. The study recommends that the Church initiates more income generating projects in schools for sustainable support of needy students.