Happy Easter Holidays to you all.
As we await the results of the 2021 KCSE exam and commencement of the new academic year, what could be in the minds of most educationists? Could it most likely be about making money? Chapter 7 of the KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century discusses, “Why Money Should be the Last Thing in my our minds.” But, is this real? Certainly, it is. Why?
When we focus on making money, it becomes elusive and sometimes very hard to acquire. Remember that we are in a society largely driven by what is known as scacity mentality. It is about survival for the fittest just like the animal kingdom; each man for himself and God for us all, isn’t it?
As such, what should be the right focus? In my view, the answer is very straight forward. What value is it that we can each give to the marketplace? Ideally, based on philosophical principles, we are all supposed to be contributing towards the improvement of the welfare of humanity, shouldn’t we?
In any case, we are all gifted differently, thus able to variously contribute to the different spheres of the welfare of humanity. Some are teachers, preachers, doctors, engineers, entertainers of different forms and many more. But, is everybody in this 21st Century righfully set where he/she belongs?
That is the crunx of the matter. Upon writing Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, it was extremely clear that the focus was to sort out issues of disempowerment not only in schools, but also beyond.
The ministry of education took great interest in this strategy. Perhaps, they could have been inspired even more, had the strategy been able to acquire some sponsorship. Unfortunately, that was not our focus. Nevertheless, the educational authorities appreciated the efforts in place and encouraged us to reach out to as many beneficiaries as possible.
In our own thinking, we could easily have reached out to more, with the direct support of the ministry itself. But, as indicated by the authorities, this couldn’t work as we could have been perceived as experiencing favours compared to other providers of related solutions.
All was not lost, nonetheless. We still have great contacts with the different departments whenever there is need. That supports our perspective of giving value as money follows. As such, we have never been shy of implementing the empowerment strategy, even in the absence of money.
Even during, teachers conferences, we have on various occasions empowered teachers with numerous copies of our publications, inspite of not knowing exactly where to find their institutions. We have at the same time never failed to empower reachable schools with our publications, as we await remmittace of the respective funds.
Since 2015, it is only on three occasions that we have been let down by schools in far off counties. The concerns were however easily sorted out, upon raising the same with one of the departments in the MOE headquarters. The doors of these offices are still open in the event of similar challenges. What about empowerment of individuals?
The same concept of money should be the last thing in our minds still applies. The risk is higher nevertheless, but things still work extremely well. A visit to a cafeteria in Embu County while on transit to Tharaka Nthi, sometimes in February this year, sheds some light. The Cafeteria manager became interested in our empowerment activities, more so based on our publications.
He expressed interest in acquiring Living Beyond Survival; No More Tiptoeing in Life, with intentions of remmiting the funds by month-end, through Mpesa. That was acceptable. Two weeks after, we passed through the same Cafeteria. The excited manager reduced his debt by half and indicated that he had started acquiring new perceptions about work.
Sometimes in March, we contacted the Cafeteria Manager for two issues. On funds he remitted the same immediately. On whether, he benefitted from the publication, the manager had an unusual feedback. ” I am no longer tiptoeing in life. Actually, I left the Cafeteria and I am now working in a SACCO, still as a manager.” Wow! Quite an inspiring feedback, isn’t it?
A visit to a school in Laikipia County in the same February was rather interesting. Before driving off, after discussioms with a principal who was totally disinterested in our empowerment strategy, a teacher took interest upon noticing a branded car. What are these publications about? he wondered. After some of explanations, the teacher wondered whether they could be of help to his son, who was just about to finish 4th Form.
Upon first presenting Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, the teacher took it and promised to remit the funds in March, which he promptly deed. He later called to indicate that as an English teacher, he had invaluably benefitted from the concept and will appropriately guide his son and students too.
As such, the concept of perceiving money as the last thing in our minds is applicable in real life, as illustrated. The main idea is; give value and money will definitely follow you. It doesn’t matter whether you are in formal or self employment situations. We believe this inspiration will keep spreading widely, as the paradigms of the 21st Century continue taking shape, especially through the competency based curriculum – CBC, isn’t it?
FYI
This strategy of value first followed by money, has been quite effective. We have over the years empowered numerous schools spread in at least 16 counties so far.
Alongside, we have had close to 100 seminar engagements in different schools, spread in 12 counties so far. Mind you, only 2 schools have since 2015 engaged us for seminars before arrival of our publications. Welcome for more on our 21st Century empowerment strategy.
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Seasoned Speaker/Trainer/Consultant 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
Welcome to our YouTube Channel under Mwangi Wanjumbi – Empowerment Forum
Recent update that could be of interest
Recent Comments