CO-CURRICULAR STRATEGIES FOR POSITIVE IDENTITY IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
Abstract
Purpose: To analyze how religious schools in Kenya implement co-curricular activities to develop faith-based identity formation among students and to identify effective practices and implementation gaps in these programs.
Statement of the Problem: Religious schools in Kenya face challenges in effectively integrating co-curricular activities with faith-based education to support holistic student development. Limited understanding exists regarding which co-curricular approaches most effectively foster spiritual and moral development, particularly in contexts of resource disparities between urban and rural schools and varying denominational practices.
Research Methodology: This conceptual study employed an extensive review of secondary sources including scholarly articles, policy documents, and faith-based education reports.
Findings: The review identified three key co-curricular approaches in Kenyan religious schools: (1) faith-infused service-learning initiatives that combine worship with community development, (2) peer-led religious fellowships that strengthen denominational identity, and (3) culturally adapted programs like Harambee projects that integrate African communal values with religious teachings. These strategies effectively reinforce ethical decision-making and interfaith tolerance when intentionally aligned with schools' spiritual missions.
Conclusion: The analysis reveals that co-curricular activities significantly contribute to faith-based identity formation when properly structured and implemented. However, notable implementation gaps exist, including resource disparities between urban and rural schools and the need for standardized faith-mentorship training.
Recommendations: The paper proposes theoretical recommendations for optimizing existing co-curricular models through church-mosque partnerships and curriculum integration. A conceptual framework for faith-based identity formation is presented, suggesting standardized training programs for faith mentors and enhanced resource distribution mechanisms.
Keywords: Faith and Formation, Co-Curricular, Strategies, Positive Identity, Religious Schools
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