The recent KCSE exam results, were synonymous with the comeback of the much coveted grade A from the 241 of 2016 to the current 893 for 2020 KCSE exams. The improvement is commendable, if we assume that all the grades are free from any exam irregulalities.
Nonetheless, how well the knowledge acquired has been aligned with regard to maximizing performance rather than just passing exams should be of great concern, isn’t it? I am particularly concerned about the numerous A’s achieved particularly in the various national schools and others that have managed to raise their performance standards. Why the concern?
Upon commencement of our mission of empowerment in 2015, it became prudent to meet various Principals of national schools aiming to understand their philosophy on issues related to empowerment. After interacting with a few from Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, the situation of the Kenyan education system became quite clear. This was especially so, given that the schools interacted with have been indisputable role models.
Perceptions of one of the Principals led to repackaging the KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, mainly to include a page illustrating how the rain started beating us, upon guidance by challenged empowerment choices. Another one somehow gave leads on how to clearly figure out exactly what every student needed to know, during our presentations.
What is striking upto now is that most Institutional leaders still believe that what matters on Education is about acquiring the best grades possible. The eventual careers will fall in place once the grades have been achieved – REALLY? It was actually VERY SHOCKING witnessing that statement from one Principal this week.
The truth is that in the 21st Century, every grade achieved in the education system should be NATURALLY aligned to a particular CAREER PATHWAY. Based on this strategy, the desired performance just happens naturally through WORKING SMART, rather than HARD. Sadly, not many educationists believe this. Before schools resumed in October last year, Kennedy (whose situation was discussed in this forum last year), wanted to become a pilot. Later, he shifted to actuarial science.
When coronavirus pandemic distablised all of us last year, Kennedy’s perceptions were also affected. He again changed his focus towards eventually becoming a Marketer. From then onwards, the father became destabilized too. He couldn’t believe the mind shifts the son was going through, especially in light of the fact that he was a student of one of the foremost National Schools.
Upon the father approaching us for a solution, Kennedy only required a TWO hour coaching session and eventually, reading Career Dynamics in the 21st Century. This week, I had a chance of meeting Kennedy and we had an interesting discussion.
Me: (After the usual pleasantlies) How did you fair in the exams?
Kennedy: They were okey. I scored an A minus.
Me: Wow! Congrats!
Kennedy: Thank you!
Me: What are you eventually likely to become?
Kennedy: A dentist.
Me: Really? What happened? Not an Actuarial Scientist any more? (Soon after the coaching session, he had completely abandoned marketing as well as becoming a pilot).
Kennedy: After the coaching session and reading the book, I realized that I could have wasted Biology, which I was equally good at.
Me: Have you made your course selections as yet?
Kennedy: Yes indeed, I am just waiting for admission in one of the leading Universities.
Notably, Kennedy was from a leading national school, but still experiencing knowledge alignment challenges. He was not alone as these challenges are quite common. Luckily, after the coaching session and reading of his copy of Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, he never got spoilt of choices after acquiring an A- , as happens to numerous high academic achievers from different leading schools. Further, he never sought change of choices through KUCPS – Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Services, as sought by many students after exams.
The good news is that Kennedy may never contribute to mediocrity, especially upon following his areas of strength, as he had eventually learnt, while outside school. But, how many students are that lucky? We can only hope and pray that many future leaders continue acquiring proper directions on how to follow the RIGHT EMPOWERMENT PATHWAYS, isn’t it?
FYI
The 2020 exam results for the schools we had empowered are still flowing. The mean grade of one boys’ school in Machakos County rose from 5.5 to 6.0. Further, 50 boys qualified to join university compared to 34 the previous year. That means an improvement of 16 or 47.06%.
Incidentally, similar improvement rates have been observed on schools acquiring mean grade of 7 and above. Most importantly, any opportunity of empowering the BOY CHILD particularly, who is today perceived to be in dangerous situation, has for us been quite exciting.
Our next empowerment seminar is on Monday 24th May 2021, for an extra – county Boys’ School in Machakos County. It will be followed by another other one on 26th May 2021 for a Mixed Day School based in Laikipia County. As such, empowerment of the BOY CHILD and the GIRL CHILD too continues. Apparently, your school too can become part of this remarkable transformation, isn’t it? WELCOME!!!
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Seasoned Speaker/Consultant/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Officially UNSUNG Architect of CBC
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
3. 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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