Mwelekeo TV recently featured a conversation with Ephantus Mugo on how parents can help children build creativity, confidence, and strong character through talent development.
Speaking on the show, Mugo explained that many children have natural abilities that often go unnoticed because families and schools focus mostly on academic performance.
Ephantus Mugo, who is a teacher, filmmaker, talent scout, and founder of Gifted Kids Kenya, said many parents today are worried about their children’s future because of growing digital distractions and social pressure.
He noted that for many years, the education system gave little attention to talents such as acting, music, writing, and public speaking.
Because of this, many adults ended up in careers they do not enjoy since they were never given a chance to discover what they were naturally good at.
He explained that in the past, parents often viewed talent development as risky.
Activities like drama and performance were sometimes associated with bad behavior in schools, including strikes and indiscipline.
Because of this, many families discouraged children from pursuing creative interests. Parents feared that arts could not provide a stable future or income.
However, Mugo said the situation is changing. Today, social media has made it easier for parents to see real examples of people building successful careers through talent.
Singing, acting, content creation, writing, and performance arts are now opening doors for young people across the country. This has helped many parents begin to understand that talent can also be a serious career path.
Mugo also shared his personal story. He said that as a child, he loved gathering other children during Christmas to perform for family members.
Even then, he knew he wanted to become a filmmaker. While in high school, he was certain about that dream, but there was little guidance available.
His family did not know how to support such a path because creative careers were not widely understood.
He eventually became a teacher because it was the most available option that allowed him to use his skills.
That experience shaped his mission. He decided to help children discover and grow their gifts early so they would not face the same confusion and delays he experienced.
At Gifted Kids Kenya, children are trained in acting, film, public speaking, and performance arts. Mugo said these activities help children overcome fear, reduce shyness, and become confident communicators.
When a child succeeds in an audition among many others and later sees themselves on television or on a billboard, it creates strong self-belief.
He explained that this kind of success feels different from passing exams because it gives children personal proof of their ability. It shows them that they can stand on their own and achieve something through effort and courage.
The program also focuses on discipline, self-expression, and character building. Mugo said these life skills are important because they help children avoid low self-esteem and other struggles that can affect them later in life.
He encouraged parents to guide and support their children instead of holding them back because of old fears.He stressed that the goal is not only fame or money.
Even if a child does not become a full-time artist, the confidence and communication skills they gain will help them in any profession they choose. Writing a book at a young age or performing well on stage becomes a lifelong reminder that they are capable.
