The August school holidays arrive with a familiar rhythm: the laughter of children freed from classrooms, the hum of families planning trips, and the quiet relief of parents who no longer juggle homework deadlines.
Yet beneath the joy lies a sobering reality. Idle time, unsupervised hours, and peer pressure can open doors to dangerous habits including drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviors.
Community worker and volunteer Joseph Mureithi says that as guardians and community members, parents must recognise that holidays are not just a pause from academics; they are a test of resilience, vigilance, and love. The challenge, he says, is not only to keep children occupied but to keep them anchored.
"Children crave adventure, and when structured routines vanish, they seek excitement elsewhere. For some, this means sports, art, or volunteering, while for others, it may mean experimenting with substances whispered about in peer circles," says Mureithi, who also doubles as chair of a parents' support group against substance abuse.
He says the August break, stretching across weeks, becomes fertile ground for both positive growth and destructive choices.
