Education and community leaders have called on the government to invest more in identifying and nurturing children’s talents from an early age, warning that many gifted youngsters risk losing their potential due to lack of support.
Speaking in Ruiru during the launch of the Royal Stars Volleyball Academy, which currently trains 25 children, educationist Hellen Gichuru and Mount Kenya University Council Chair, Dr Vincent Gaitho, emphasized the importance of structured talent development.
Hellen noted that the academy targets children aged 7 to 16, training them professionally until they can join established clubs. Dr Gaitho cautioned that without guidance, many children drift into drugs and crime instead of building careers through their skills.
He further urged the government to support volleyball the same way it does football and athletics, saying the sport could generate income, create jobs, and elevate the country’s reputation.
Community leader Emily Warutere also challenged parents and politicians to play a greater role by offering mentorship, spaces, and equipment for talented youth. She stressed that nurturing children’s abilities instils discipline and keeps them away from negative influences.
Stakeholders at the event encouraged the government to provide scholarships to ease the financial burden on families and motivate young athletes. They added that talent in sports and the creative industry could transform lives, build entrepreneurs, and provide alternatives to unemployment.
During the launch, MKU’s College of Health Sciences offered free medical checkups and health awareness sessions to the children, who were also gifted new uniforms branded with their names — a gesture meant to boost morale and commitment to training.
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