As our empowerment mission took off this week, we bumped into Teacher Leah (not real name) in a Gatundu, Kiambu County based school. We had earlier met in the same school, in November 2021 and had an interesting discussion. Why so?
Around 2018, the school had acquired copies of our KICD approved concept titled Career Dynamics in the 21st of Century. Upon visiting the school in November 2021, we needed to to know how they had made use of the publications already acquired, before introducing the advancement titled Living Beyond Survival; No More Tiptoeing in Life.
However, we met a different principal from the one of 2018. Still, nothing could have stopped us from doing a follow up even through the current principal, who insisted on inviting her guiding and counselling teacher, to join us. Upon joining us, the guiding and counselling teacher, was surprised. Surely, are you the author of Career Dynamics in the 21st Century?
Me: Yes, I am. Why is it seemingly surprising?
Teacher Leah: (After politely excusing oursevles from the principal). When I read the publication, I found it quite interesting. I had just been appointed as the school’s head of guidance and counselling department.
Me: Had you been trained on the same field?
Teacher Leah: Not at all. In fact, I wondered whether my “kawaida” knowledge will be helpful in that field.
Me: Wow! What next?
Teacher Leah: I started assessing my capabilities upon reading your book. As a teacher of sciences, I easily realized my gaps. More still, I was able to understand the thinking process of my own children.
Me: Wow! Then?
Teacher Leah: I simply decided to re-align my knowledge so that I can perform at my best in the new additional role. Actually, I applied and was admitted for a diploma course in counselling psychology.
Me: Why a diploma and not Master’s Degree?
Teacher Leah! Diploma is very practical and that is the experience I wanted to gain.
(Upon meeting last week, the conversation of November 2021, seemingly continued).
Me: So, how are you fairing now, since meeting in November 2021?
Teacher Leah: When we last met, I was just about to clear the Counseling Psychology course, which I successfully did.
Me: Congrats! I am excited to learn that. In fact, you easily influenced the current principal to acquire copies of Living Beyond Survival; No More Tiptoeing in Life, on the same day.
Teacher Leah: Surprisingly, I read the same almost immediately.
Me: Was the publication helpful?
Teacher Leah: Yes indeed. As teachers continued fighting the TPD – Teacher Professional Development program even in courts, I was one of those who enrolled earliest, for the same .
Me: Really? Why so?
Teacher Leah: After reading your second publication, the strategic direction of TPD was quite clear, especially with regard to the required skills and attitudes. As such, immediate enrolling for TBC, just became a formality, for me.
Me: Wow! What advise can you extend to your fellow teachers?
Teacher Leah: In my view and experiences so far, I agree with the forewords that your publications are great contributions towards the ongoing transformation of the Kenyan education system. They take care of all those undergoing empowerment in schools and even beyond, in line with the paradigms of the 21st Century. By the way, have our bosses at Teachers Service Commission ever accessed your publications?
Me: That is indeed quite an inspiring concern, but why has it come into your mind?
Teacher Leah: The objectives of the TPD appear to be quite aligned with the thoughts articulated in your publications.
Me: Really? I can only confirm that the Quality Assurance Director as well as the Staffing Director acquired their own personal copies of our publications quite a while ago.
Teacher Leah: I now understand. If your publications influenced KICD, why not TSC?
Seemingly, the TPD is right on course despite the ongoing resistance. Upon googling on the same, I noticed that according to TSC, the TPD will continuously update teacher knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. The same will encourage the learning culture of teachers. Imperatively, all teachers will continually remain relevant only if aligned with the paradigms of the 21st Century, isn’t it?
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Seasoned Speaker/ Consultant Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Competency Based Curriculum-CBC Architect
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
- The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254772516210
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