Dear Parents: Raising Purpose-driven Children



John Wills Njoroge is a psychotherapist and social diagnostician who…
As your child embarks on their educational journey for higher education, resist the temptation to believe the notion that “this course lacks marketability.” Instead, focus on understanding your child’s passions, purpose, and aspirations as the true guiding forces, rather than solely the job market.
Basing education on market trends not only fosters confusion within our society, as seen in many African nations, but it also significantly hinders the development of vital social skills. Our greatest challenge as a nation is the obsession with “marketable” options, rather than prioritizing human dignity and holistic development. In our agricultural sector, we often cultivate what is deemed marketable— farm products we cannot consume but are meant for export. When droughts occur, we lament the consequences.
An education system that values dignity fosters a richer appreciation of diverse cultures and prepares individuals for active civic and thinking engagement. It empowers society to think critically, innovate creatively, and flourish in an ever-changing world. What is considered marketable today will inevitably shift in the coming years, but humanity’s fundamental needs will endure.
This narrow view of marketable courses is myopic and promotes a fragmented approach to learning, leading students to compartmentalize their knowledge rather than integrate it into a comprehensive worldview.
Those advocating for this “skill set, marketability, employ yourself” narrative are often individuals who, despite their employment, are not encouraging young people to study and do not lead by example (Resign and start a successful business as a model for the young ones to learn from).
As your child selects their field of study, encourage them to share their true passions with you. Guard your child’s time against the “marketable” narratives and support them for eternal functions driven by purpose.
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John Wills Njoroge is a psychotherapist and social diagnostician who assists individuals and teams clarify their purpose in life and create a philosophy of their existence and work. He is co-founder of Lead Global Impact, an organization that builds the leadership capacity of primary and high school children and youth in Kenya. He is the author of ‘Father to Son’, a manual designed for fathers to better understand their sons and relate more effectively with them, and ‘Brave Hearts Leadership Program’ a manual that has been used widely to train boys as responsible leaders. Among many other leadership roles, he is consulted and contributes to shaping narratives on youth matters and social justice in Kenya’s mainstream media.