Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the holistic impact of chaplaincy
in Kenyan secondary schools. In order to achieve this purpose research was carried
out with Kyanguli Memorial secondary school as a case study. Data was collected
primarily through interviews with intentionally chosen staff and students using an
interview guide. More data was also collected through observation and document
review. The research investigated the methods used by the school chaplain to develop
the school community holistically, types of unruly behaviors found in the school,
effectiveness of chaplaincy services and the marks of holistic development in the
school.
The research emphasized that the function of chaplaincy in schools was to
help students and staff to realize their potentials, so as to mould their own personality
and future. Every individual properly assisted by a chaplain can grow to be a wellrounded
person by accepting responsibility and taking personal initiative. The study
alluded that chaplaincy work was to support, sustain and encourage each individual
towards personal holistic development. This study also showed that chaplaincy office
needed to be supported by the school community, the church and the government
through the Ministry of Education. The study called for co-responsibility in promotion
of personal growth and maturity of students and staff in the Kenyan secondary
schools. However each individual staff and student must put up with the hard facts of
life, and constantly endeavor to improve by putting together his or her potentialities to
mould a satisfactory and successful future.
Based on these findings, recommendations were made for secondary schools,
church, institutions of higher theological education and the Ministry of Education.
Recommendations were given to the church and higher institutions of theological
learning to consider training chaplains to effectively facilitate holistic nurture and
holistic development in secondary schools. Recommendations were also given to
secondary schools to endeavor to integrate academic learning with spiritual nurture.
