As we focus on the prospects of the new year, let us give a thought to the D student, who is largely perceived as a trouble maker or one who is good for nothing, by some educationists. Essentially, nobody should take for granted our indication to principals on numerous occasions that no heads should be cracked, while seeking ways and means of improving performance for all students. Why so?
We are constantly inspired by a girls’ school in Tharaka Nthi County, which utilized our publications so effectively that their mean grade shot from 3.6 – 5.4 (50% hike) in the 2019 KCSE exams, as once revealed in this forum and confirmed by the School’s Principal. The said school still achieved a mean grade of 5.2 in the 2020 exams, despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Such feedback even from individuals continues inspiring our mission even more. Particularly, there is great hope even for weak students as feedback on our empowerment strategy continues flowing. Just around May 2020 soon after the coronavirus pandemic had taken control of our lives, we met Magdalene (not her real name) at the post office near our residence. We were dispatching mails to schools that had previously embraced our empowerment strategy.
The process attracted Magdalene’s attention and alongside, she became aware of our publications titled “Career Dynamics in the 21st Century,” as well as “Living Beyond Survival; No More Tiptoeing in Life.” Magdalene had joined University to pursue a degree course in Chemcal Engineering, but abandoned the same upon acquiring a clerical job as a postal staff. Why continue studying to eventually secure a job, when she had already acquired one? That was most likely the main influence.
Over the years though, Magdalene rose through the ranks and also acquired some accountancy qualifications. Nevertheless, she still felt that some gaps in her life strategy still needed attention, therefore the interests in our publications. But, when Magdalene took the publications home, they were grabbed by her younger siblings.
At 32 years, and being the first born, they thought Magdalene was already settled and it was now their turn to find their way. Alongside, Magdalene became more concerned about the youngest brother who was in fourth form, thus nearing his completion of secondary school education.
The greatest concern however was that Andrew (not real name) was a D Student. The sister kept wondering what would happen to the youngster after school, based on that kind of performance. “Had you been a girl, we would not be worried. There are chances of getting married and settling in family life, but as a man, your opportunities in life are limited, in the absence of good grades,” Magdalene had kept expressing to her brother.
Luckily, when Magdalene arrived home, with our publications, the brother got engrossed in the same. In any case, adequate time was available, as schools were on the coronavirus pandemic oriented break. As such, Andrew had ample time regarding acquiring new ideas on how to holistically align his life strategy.
According to Magdalene, her brother read and re-read our publications including writing notes on the lessons learnt. As schools resumed, Andrew had not only re-aligned his perceptions about education, but also his own strategy, aiming to make the best of his previously difficult situation.
Incredibly, Andrew transformed not only his attitudes, strategic direction, but also reading culture. As schools resumed in October 2020, Andrew was already set for the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education – KCSE exams, based on his new perspectives.
Finally, the performance of Andrew the D student transformed incredibly. He scored B- in the 2020 KCSC exams, and was eventually admitted to join a University based in Karen, Nairobi for an Information Technology degree course. Seemingly, Andrew’s experience continues proving that no matter the situation in life, there is great hope for those able to embrace and align with the 21st Century paradigms, well articulated in our publications.
FYI
As the year comes to an end, we are honoured to have interacted with you all in this 21st year of the 21st Century. As such, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous year 2022.
Meanwhile, our empowerment seminars in schools in 2021 were led by girls’s secondary schools @ 38.46%. Teachers’ Seminars followed @ 30.76%. Boys’ Schools and mixed day secondary schools equally shared the remaining proportion.
Finally, please keep in mind that most trouble in the school system revolves around challenged
- Attitudes (Motivation)
- Focus ( Direction/Strategy)
- Reading culture
The higher the levels of the challenges, the higher the levels of INDISCIPLINE, and eventually, the POORER the PERFORMANCE. The good news is that these challenges can holistically be reversed at once, a situation that leads to the desired EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE. You are most WELCOME for Instant solutions of the said challenges !!
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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