Pastor Dorcas Rigathi maintained the need for the nation to remain steadfast in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, condemning any attempts to reverse the gains made in the campaign against addictions.
She said this during the event of showcasing of skills of 303 men trained in different artisan courses in Ngorano, Nyeri County that included plumbing, masonry, fashion and design, welding, electrical, and security.
“Some have vowed to bring back alcoholism to our children while we work at getting them out. Anything that comes to kill our children is satanic. Killing of the boy child through alcohol must stop,” she said.
The 303 have undergone skilling under the Boy Child Program led by Pastor Dorcas in collaboration with Vera Technical Training College for the last three months. They will also undertake examinations under NITA to have them fully certified, and work anywhere as qualified artisans in their respective fields.
“This is a journey towards self-reliance for the boy child. I encourage the local churches and the community, to call on the services of these men when they need a plumber, mason, or other services,” said Pastor Dorcas.
Area MCA Erastus Karanja said the event was a life impacting occasion to Mathira and the surrounding areas, saying the young men would have been ravaged by alcohol and drugs if they remained unskilled in the village. However, the training had given them renewed hope for their life and dreams.
“I know that parents face the challenge of school fees and hospital bills, and the community is very greatful to you (Pastor Dorcas) for lifting this burden off the shoulders of the parents,” said MCA Karanja.
Chairman of the Student Council Charles Mwenda appreciated the training of the all the 303. “Our lives would have been a waste because some of us would not have found the fees to pay for the courses. You are a bridge for us,” said Mr Mwenda.
Present were Sister Damiano (from the USA) of St. John the Beloved, DCC Titus Murei, MCA Erastus Karanja, Bishops, Pastors, NGAO, parents of the beneficiaries, the community, and the Founder of Vera Technical Training College, Mercy Makena.
Parents said they would have sold their cows, or even taken loans for their children to study the courses and gain skills for free.
