Rarely do I visit far away private schools, unless on the basis of invitations. A few weeks ago however, I was influenced to cover some 180 Km from Nairobi to visit a private school that has kept boggling my mind for a while. Why so?
As schools broke out for Mid-term holidays around November 2021, a follower of this forum made contacts through the phone. She wanted to refer parents of a youngster for career counseling.
Upon confirming that we do undertake the same, a booking was immediately confirmed and paid for by the parents, a day before it happened. Abu, if we can refer to him as such, was a 4th former in the leading private school situated about 180 km from Nairobi. The school was preparing the KCSE candidates of March 2022, towards making choices regarding their university education.
School parents were supposed to be involved on the matter. Abu’s mother who eventually made contact, wanted the son to become a pharmacist, so that he could in the end venture into pharmaceutical business. Conversely, Abu, a highly conservative youngster had no idea of what career he intended to pursue.
Perhaps, he could probably consider the same, once he obtains the KCSE results as many others do. But, upon completing the counseling session, Abu’s Career pathway became quite clear. First, he was a struggler in Chemistry therefore highly unlikely to become a doctor.
Abu’s best subject all through was Mathematics and upon comparison with other performances, it became clear that his career pathway was science oriented. The choices open to him were found to be computer science oriented studies or finance, as the alternative. The parents were totally in agreement with these findings and confidently processed the form associated with the choices. A copy of the same was forwarded to us.
But, upon arrival in school, Abu’s choices were rejected. Instead, Abu was instructed that his performance indicates that he qualifies to become a doctor. Based on such perceptions, seemingly influenced by extrinsic factors, Abu followed the school’s instructions.
When the 2021 KCSE results were released, Abu scored an A- and now waited to be admitted to University for studies, which could lead towards becoming a medical doctor. Apparently, KUCPS did not agree with Abu’s choice and instead he was admitted to pursue a degree in Biomedical Technology, in one of the public universities. Really, is this not close to the computer science findings?
The School’s perceptions of Abu pursuing studies that could lead to becoming a doctor have been quite perplexing to me. Guided by lessons in philosophy ( it is simply put, the search and dissemination of knowledge for the improvement of the welfare of humanity). Thus, it is not difficult to identify a challenge that needs attention. That is why I eventually travelled to the said private school to find out what influences them when guiding our future leaders.
Upon arrival, it became difficult to enter the school without any formal appointment. Nevertheless, branded outfits and the vehicle too attracted the gatekeepers. They immediately contacted the Careers teacher to share information on my presence. The same teacher sought to clarify the exact nature of my mission to the school.
Me: I have interacted with your school’s stakeholders and I seem to have noticed a challenge.
Teacher: What challenge?
Me: Our expertise which is well documented, enables us to align teachers and students with the paradigms or thinking of the 21st Century.
Teacher: How can you prove that?
Me: Our publications on the same circulate in secondary schools in Kenya. One was used for the architecture of the CBC and officially approved for circulation in schools by the KICD. However, we were solving the challenges still being experienced in the 8-4-4 system.
Teacher: Based on that please come to my office. We need to have a discussion.
Immediately, I was ushered into the school and we had very interesting discussions with the Careers teacher. He confirmed that the same knowledge he acquired while in school, in the 20th Century is the same one used for guidance of the 21st Century students, under his care.
Finally, the Careers teacher indicated that engagement arrangements will soon be made so that we help this private school, in understanding how students are aligned with the 21st Century Paradigms. Hopefully, the engagements will become a reality. All the same, why share this experience?
Our empowerment strategy is research based. Remember, “you have been given the power to read and do what appertains to the the degrees conferred.” People use that power differently. In the case of yours truly, he was called into Research, Writing Training and Consulting. The Newspaper advert dated just about the turn of the century, which initiated these developments is still available.
The calling made it easy to understand the shortcomings of the entire Kenyan education system – that means from the bottom up-to universities. It was also easy to develop content that enables us to easily correct those shortcomings.
Actually, having conducted seminars even in universities, we can confirm beyond reasonable doubt that these educational authorities are still experiencing these knowledge alignment weaknesses of the education system. That is why we sympathize with schools that only rely on university authorities for career guidance of of our future leaders.
If the philosophy of CBC particularly, has never arrived at Universities, can they really be entrusted fully, with aligning our future leaders with the paradigms of the 21st Century? If you doubt this observation, why is it that more than 50% of Kenyan University graduates are still unemployable? More still, why is it that more than 80% of those employed are totally dispassionate with their work/careers?
Imperatively, we all need to embrace empowerment solutions aligned with the mentalities of the 21st Century, shouldn’t we? It is only then that we shall manage to reduce the impact of mediocre performance and mediocre rewards too, in our beloved country. Most importantly, keep in mind that career alignment is no longer an activity. Instead, it is a process, that should be properly monitored during the entire empowerment process, isn’t it?
FYI
Last week, we indicated that 82% of our seminar engagements this year, are from schools whose institutional managers are followers of this forum. We need to confirm that Kiambu County is leading the engagements with 3 (we have had 8 past engagements in the same county), followed by Tharaka Nthi with 3 (we have had 3 past engagements in the same county).
The rest of seminars for this year are spread between Muranga and Laikipia Counties. This week, we have two more in different counties.
Absolutely Free Research Based Advice! Please keep in mind that empowerment of our future leaders can be easily formulated. How? Just ensure to align their attitudes, focus (strategic direction) and reading culture with the paradigms of the 21st Century.
That will naturally lead to reduced indiscipline and improved performance. It doesn’t matter whether yours are A or D students. More still, it doesn’t matter whether the school is national, Extra-County, County or Sub-County. Anyway, the empowerment formula is the same.
WELCOME for properly tested EMPOWERMENT SOLUTIONS through our Seminars for Students and teachers too. Please, let’s not leave the fate of our future leaders to chance.
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach,
Speaker/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Seasoned Trainer of Trainers,
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 254722516210
Welcome to our YouTube Channel under Mwangi Wanjumbi – Empowerment Forum
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