This week, schools were seemingly a no go zone for most stakeholders. In our case, it was time to wait for school life to normalize for all, after the mid-term break, which was initially not scheduled. All the same, we interacted with a number of serious educationists and can now share some interesting experiences.

One of them was upon responding to a summon made by education authorities in Jogoo Hse, Nairobi. When issues of CBC implementation became very hot as from August 2021, I became very concered and walked to Jogoo Hse on 6th Sept 2021. My mission was simply to present 5 free copies of the 3rd Edition of the KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century. The recipients included CS Prof. Magoha, PS Dr. Juan, CAS Dr. Sarah Ruto, PS Prof. Fatuma Chege, in Charge of CBC implementation and finally the Education Policy Director Dr. Malumbe.

In the accompanying letter copied to all, we asked for a meeting with the CS on how to particularly deal with the philosophycal issues of CBC as well as concerns on the ground, if necessary. Upon assessment of the concept, which clearly indicates that it was used for architecture of the Competency Based Curriculum – CBC, we were summoned to the MOE, Jogoo House, Office of Deputy Director of Policy this week. We had no idea whatsoever of what to expect.

But, after explaining what we do in the education system, the reason for our invitation was calmly explained. “We have read your well written publication and appreciated your contribution towards the transformation of the education system. Since the same is already approved for circulation in schools by KiCD and they have their own copies, we will retain one in the MOE Library, which stocks all thesis for Masters Degrees. Your publication will therefore be part of the reference material for scholars researching on educational matters. They can decide to acquire own copies of the publication or refer the same to others. Our department just thought of letting you know of that decision. Other recipients are left to make their own decisions,” said the Deputy Director of Policy, MOE, Jogoo Hse, Nairobi.

Personally, I became lost of words not because of expectations of any tangible benefits, but rather recognition of our contribution to the transformation of the Kenyan education system. Keep in mind that yours truly has never been a classroom teacher at any time.

Rather, he is a management expert specializing on strategy and performance Management, who eventually ended up becoming a workplace professional trainer as well as trainer of trainers – TOT. The performance challenges constantly noted in organizations led to writing of the KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century.

The publication led us to the school system where we have since 2015, been continually engaged in conducting training programs or seminars for those undergoing empowerment and their mentors too. Earlier efforts of empowering university students were found to be quite belated, thus the concentration shifting to secondary school students and their teachers too.

For now, we are still waiting for responses from the other 4 education authorities empowered with our concept last September. Meanwhile, it is now clear that our publications are proven research based materials, thus quite independent from usual motivation content. As such, all those undergoing empowerment including further studies can confidently trust our publications for appropriate guidance, as well as reference materials, isn’t it?

FYI
All challenges in the school system revolve around the following attributes (without any sequence)

  1. Attitudes (Motivation)
  2. Focus ( Direction/Strategy)
  3. Reading culture
  4. Indiscipline

Obviously, the level of performance is directly related to all the 4. Also, did you know that the levels of indiscipline (including strikes,destruction, drugs etc) are largely determined by the situation of the first three? How effectively does your institution constantly address these challenges?

In our case, we sort them out holistically through a session of 2.5 hrs for students and 3 hours for teachers. In the case of the latter, we additionally address amongst others, the critical aspect of work ethics.

Currently, we have numerous case studies of institutions that have kept transforming formidably since embracing our empowerment strategy. (Engagement has largely been by those whose mean grade rages from 3. – 9.). Also, they are spread between day and boarding schools. Specific information about these beneficiaries is available on request.

Meanwhile, the government’s annual capitation for every student in Kenya is Kes 22,400/= Imagine schools allocating each student Kes 100/= only once, for alignment of their empowerment as well as life strategy! Would the current troubles in schools be witnessed? More still, would this not be a worthwhile investment on our future leaders? Just a thought anyway. WELCOME for more !!

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

  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
https://books.newtimesconsultants.comL