This week has been rather exciting. As I travelled from Nairobi heading to Embu to conduct a seminar for one girls’ secondary school, I decided to visit some schools along the way. In some, they are already empowered with our publications. It is always exciting to learn how these empowerment tools are being utilized.

The last school visited was rather interesting. Upon entry, it occurred that the Principal was engaged in a board meeting, but an instant chat with the guidance and Counselling teacher was organized.

But, before settling down for the discussion, a lady guest became attracted to me, at the reception upon noticing my branded attire, . She instantly introduced herself and indicated that she is Milkah and I am not a stranger to her.
Me: Wow! But, we don’t seem to have met before, or do we?
Milkah! Anyway, I have read the book titled “Career Dynamics in the 21st Century,” and you seem to be the author.
Me: Indeed, I am the author. Where did you get the book?
Milkah! I am a counselling psychologist based in an organization situated in Embu.
One day, I conducted a counseling session in a boys’ school based in Embu (which she named).
Me: Yes, I recall the school. They acquired 5 copies of Career Dynamics in the 21st Century sometimes in 2018.
Milkah! The school principal presented me one copy of the same. He indicated that my counselling sessions should be holistic and the book could help me in understanding how students should be empowered.
Me: So, what happened after the book was presented?
Milkah! I read the same. I still read it every now and them.
Me: Has it in any way changed your approach towards counselling of students and others?
Milkah! Yes indeed. I now know that empowerment of each of us needs to follow an inside-out understanding of our natural orientations. Outside-in approach does not work in this 21st Century. That is why numerous Kenyans are continually frustrated.
Me: You are right. Actually, the outside-in approach of the 21st Century is what leads to more than 80% of Kenyans being dispassionate about their work/careers. Are you also aware that more than 50% of Kenyan graduates are either unemployed or unemployable?
Milkah! Yes I am and in fact, it is very worrying.
Me: Just in case you are unaware, majority of those who secure jobs, join the more than 80% of those dispassionate about their work/careers.
Milkah! How can these challenges be sorted out?
Me: That is the focus of the Competency Based Curriculum – CBC, but only if properly implemented. Proper Implemention will lead to improved utility of the human capital, thus avoiding the continued wastage of the same.
Milkah! I have leant quite some lessons from you. Actually, what inspired you to writing Career Dynamics in the 21st Century? Was it a Thesis for a Master’s Degree or PHD?
Me: None of those two reasons, though the observations are quite common. However, it is now found in the Resource Center of the Ministry of Education Headquarters, Jogoo House. Those researching on the ongoing transformation of the education system in Kenya, can access the publication.
Milkah! Wow! I have taken time to chat with you and the students could start becoming impatient. Why not join me in the session?
Me: Well, I wouldn’t mind, but I am under pressure of time too.

At this stage, the school had started becoming impatient with inquisitive Milkah, who had to proceed with the students’ session. As a seasoned Trainer of Trainers, I couldn’t have minded witnessing how readers of my publications disseminate the knowledge therein, if at all. Why so?

Sometimes early this year, I revealed in this forum, how a principal acquired our publications as guiding tools for a speaker. The latter had already been booked for a seminar in the school managed by the principal.

In the meantime, the guidance and counselling teacher who was witnessing our conversation with Milkah, was eager to acquire my contacts with the aim of appropriately updating the school principal. Interestingly, the teacher’s phonecall the following day, in connection with our publications and possible future seminar engagements came too late. We had already executed our empowerment engagements in Embu County and proceeding to the normal Nairobi base. Nevertheless, we look forward to meeting this likely customer in the near future.

FYI
Around November 2015, one principal of a National school sought to know whether I we had a training program for teachers. We suggested Leadership Strategy in the 21st Century. We were somehow out of tune. Why?

We were still trying to understand the challenges in the school system, which later became very clear to us. In the recent years, teachers keep rejoining school for re-empowerment after our seminars, as is clearly evident from feedback in our YouTube Channel. In this regard, we are shortly uploading content on Work Ethics Strategy on the You Tube Channel, for more revelations.

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

  1. 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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