The role of the family in the formation of leaders in the light of Ecclesia in Africa in Kidetok Parish

Abstract

The topic of this study is the role of the family the formation of leaders. According to John Paul II in Ecclesia in Africa (1995, no.80) advanced that; “The future of the world and of the Church passes through the family”. Not only is the Christian family the first cell of the living ecclesial community, it is also the fundamental cell of society. In Africa, in particular, the family is the foundation on which the social structure is built. Similarly John Paul II in in Ecclesia in Africa (1995.no. 85) has shown that the role of the family in the formation of capable and relevant leaders is paramount in that by its nature marriage, which has the special mission of perpetuating humanity, transcends the couple. In the same way, by its nature, the family extends beyond the individual household: it is oriented towards society. Therefore, parenting also known as child rearing or nurturing includes all the activities done in bringing up a child and it depends largely on parents’ cultural, religious and educational backgrounds. Parenting and childhood experiences impact greatly on children’s general outlook toward life and their abilities. Parents or foster parents therefore, play a big role in the learning process of their children. A family is indisputably a central place for human existence. However, this has become an object of numerous perplexing and profound rapid changes and forces. Among these include; single parenthood, domestic violence, family instabilities. Families seem to be hampered by lack of awareness of the necessity of the family in nurturing future leaders of society. As such the quality of leadership especially in Kidetok parish in most leadership positions is dwindling. This research is intended to affirm that a family is basic in mentoring future leaders through identifying talents, nurturing and developing various skills in children. This research is envisioned to establish qualitative leadership and how to trail for it. The family is the root to pursue this cause. Various ideas on leadership will guide leaders of Kidetok Parish in particular and the country as a whole to improve on their leadership skills and ensure effectiveness in management hence creating a platform for development. In reviewing the literature the researcher employed the teachings of Ecclesia in Africa (The church in Africa) in comparison with other researches conducted, and teachings of the church on family and leadership. In this entire endeavor, the researcher employed questionnaires, direct observation, interviews and document reviews so as to come up with concrete evidences having taken a sample size of 171 people. In presentation and analysis of data, it was seen that 75% of the total population studies, agree that family plays a bigger role in formation of leaders. In discussing the findings, the investigator probed in to the understanding of family and leadership among the people of Kidetok. He proceeded to find the role of family in forming leaders, and the different categories of people who contribute to nurturing of children in to leaders among these include; religious leaders, children themselves, government, traditional and local leaders. Having observed that influence of Modern Media, Permissive environment, Children’s rights campaigns, weak cultural institutions, certain un exemplary church leaders, unstable families and the paradox of globalization all these have a bearing on the family life today. A discussion has been made, on the necessity of family catechesis and revival of traditional values in families in grooming future leaders who contribute to the development of society. Thus caring for the family is a joint effort, thus, community involvement has also been paid attention to. Having seen all that, the researcher has come up with practical recommendations to revitalize the indispensible contribution of families, to nurturing children and forming qualitative leaders. By carrying out appropriate youth apostolate, education of parents through homilies, crusades, organizing empowering workshops, conferences, and in all the mission and evangelization of irregular families should be given due precedence. In the same way, the disappearing traditional values in families and loopholes in leadership amongst people of Kidetok parish should be vehemently brought on board. The researcher concludes by affirming that the family is the correct and true path by which the future of humanity passes. It is every ones duty to love the family. This means being able to appreciate its values and capabilities, fostering them always, identifying the dangers and the evils that menace it in order to overcome them. Always to create for it an environment that is favorable for enrichment. And emulate the model of the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.