The Roman Catholic Church’S Role In Inculcation Of Moral Values Among Secondary School Students In Machakos Sub-County

Abstract

This study examined the Roman Catholic Church‟s (RCC) role in inculcation of moral values among secondary school students in Machakos sub county, Machakos County. Four objectives were addressed in order to successfully conduct the study. First, the study examined the role of pastoral programme in inculcation of moral values among students. Second, it ascertained the effects of rituals and symbolism in inculcation of moral values among students. Third, it assessed the importance of the Roman Catholic Church policies in inculcating moral values among students. Lastly, it examined the role of the Roman Catholic schools guidance and counseling in inculcation of moral values. Questionnaires and an oral interview were used to collect data .Three principals, fifteen teachers and seventy five students from three stratified sampled R.C.C sponsored secondary schools filled questionnaires. R.C.C Machakos Diocese Education Secretary was interviewed. A total of 93 questionnaires were distributed to them and out of those, 82 questionnaires were filled and returned representing 88.12 percentage rate of return. Data was analyzed and interpreted to test the hypotheses and meet the objectives of the project. This study applied Erikson‟s and Kohlberg‟s theories of development to investigate inculcation of moral values among secondary school students sponsored schools in Machakos sub County. It was established that the psychosocial development and assimilative moral reasoning can contribute to perception of moral values and help in internalization of the same hence bridging the gap between development theory and its practice. It can help students to broaden their concept of the R.C.C to understand that R.C.C emphasizes knowledge of the preaching and teaching. It is suggested that, to succeed in its effort to improve student‟s morality, R.C.C should employ assimilative moral reasoning methodology. It is also underscored that, in order to make the process more effective, it needs to be executed the right way, with more authenticity and demonstration of high integrity. The church should also endeavour to invest more time and finance so as to make the process effective for betterment of student‟s morality. It is recommended that an effective pastoral programme could be realized through the increase in training of the priests among the Roman Catholic Church which can prompt increase in the number of its priests and clergy for non-Catholic churches. It should be extended to the other part of the clergy in both cases where for example sisters take the place of priests in some cases like in giving the homily. Co-operation among the representatives of the stakeholder churches, involved in pastoral programme in the school, will ensure effective provision of the programme. Observation and strict supervision of the R.C.C policies embedded in the Roman Catholic schools programme will ensure that students benefit in their morality. The church should also employ assimilative reasoning in inculcating values to adolescent students who could learn from the older experienced generations especially, in pastoral programme, policies and guidance and counseling hence improving their morality.