Quite unusual X-mass festivities have been experienced by most institutional managers especially, those in charge of boarding schools. On the Wednesday exactly one week before the official school closing date of 23rd December 2021, we contacted one National School, where we had some unfinished business requiring attention.
The departmental head concerned surprisingly responded. “Sorry we closed school yesterday untill January next year. The principal decided to face the consequences of defying the instructions of the education authorities rather than exposing the school to the imminent risk of arson.”
Two weeks before, a principal in a boys’ school had indicated to us that he was only sleeping for two hours a day. During the rest of the time, he was busy monitoring activities in every corner of the school, especially at night. Many others variously experienced nightmares during the term.
Under such circumstances institutional management in the last term of year 2021, was truly stressful. It was even worse for the school’s that have already experienced arson, and other forms of destruction. We can only empathize with the affected institutional managers.
Notably, the authorities had extended a break from the academically stressed students, but the challenges still continued after mid-term. Could it be realistic to attribute the students’ conduct to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic?
In our view, the impact of the coronavirus virus pandemic only fast-tracked the effects of more entrenched weaknesses of the education policies. Further, contributions from the various stakeholders of the education system, cannot be ignored. Though issues on the same have been variously discussed in this forum, there are still great concerns worth considering.
Most particularly, will enjoying the breaks associated with the current festivities have toned down the conduct of students? Actually, will they have stopped putting the school managers at ransom? More still, will they be ready to continue learning as continually expected? Further, how ready are institutional managers for the year 2022?
Over the years, we have conclusively determined that the greatest challenges in the school system revolve around poor attitudes, poor focus or strategic direction as well as poor learning culture, all of which lead to poor performance and Indiscipline. Teachers are not exempted from those challenges, which afftect every school in this country, magnitude, being the only variation.
We have alongside determined the main causes of those challenges. The good news is that we never shy away from communicating the same with the various educational beureaucrats, sitting in Jogoo House. Incidentally, have they or are they likely to sort out the issues at hand?
Seemingly, no policy guidelines will at this time address those challenges even as the schools re-open. Nevertheless, we have somehow been variously advising institutional managers on the way foward every now and then. Some are very well aware of what needs to be done.
Apparently, those who have seriously taken up our advice and implemented the same, have no regrets. That explains why we are continually inspired by recent feedback indicating that teachers have after our seminars been re-entering universities to re-align their knowledge with the paradigms of the 21st Century.
That is why we are also repeatedly engaged by some of the Learning institutions, the latest re-engagement being in November 2021. Most importantly, imagine teachers and all students of an institution reading from the same script with regard to empowerment in the 21st Century!!
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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