Two disturbing issues were highlighted in the last Saturday Nation Newspaper. First is the sad news on dormitory fires in a leading national school. It is not clear what could have burnt two dormitories and elaborately destroyed students personal effects.
Second, is an article related to drug menace that is well entrenched in the school system. Though these issues related to students’ indiscipline have been elaborately discussed through an interview that is well disseminated in our YouTube Channel @ https://youtu.be/1lt-WuX7PGE , it is worthwhile re-visiting the matter once more.
But first, during a teachers’ seminar early this term, the issue of drug menace became of great concern. In our presentation, we indicated that 22% of students aged between 14 – 25 years are addicted to one form of drugs or the other. These statistics had been acquired from NACADA – National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
One seminar participant indicated that things have changed for the worse in both day and boarding schools, thus the need to revisit the statistics. Truly, the issue of dormitory fires was suppressed through initiating strict disciplinary measures for those getting involved in destruction, of school property. But, have the issues leading to those negativities been addressed?
We have constantly brought out policy weaknesses, parental challenges and occasionally wanting role modelling by teachers, as major contributors to the situation in schools. Policy weaknesses particularly, play a major role in the contributions.
Notably, the school system is still in the 20th Century mentally, but physically in the 21st Century. The good news is that the Competency Based Curriculum – CBC, which is definitely irreversible is somehow addressing those policy weaknesses, in this third decade of the 21st Century.
Most importantly, no students are expected to pursue any studies that are aligned to their natural weaknesses. What about the students of the 8-4-4 system? Why are sciences still compulsory for everyone up-to now? Why are humanities likewise compulsory to all, even now?
Once, the weaknesses of the 8-4-4 system became a reality, it was found necessary to address them through CBC. In our view however, it would not have been difficult to flex the structures of the current curriculum, through a continuous improvement process. Why so?
As the current educational structures continue, numerous students still find learning to be a form of punishment. That is why some console themselves through venturing into drugs. Others burn schools expecting to be relieved from the perceived punishment. Thinking outside the box could somehow have addressed these challenges.
The main contention here is that most of those who experienced the same school system, even the seemingly very educated, learnt how to memorize and not to apply knowledge. As such, the school system continues being a victim of man-made challenges, isn’t it?
FYI
Many times, I have referred to Galatians 6: 9 as a critical Biblical Principle that should continually lead towards success in our lives. Indeed, “never tire from doing what is right, as rewards will follow you at the opportune time.” This is REAL, not theories.
This week, we had a very interesting experience in Machakos County, before proceeding to Kitui County. We will purpose to share this interesting experience in due course.
Else, our empowerment mission through ” RE-CREATING THE FUTURE TODAY SEMINAR,” for teachers and “CREATING THE FUTURE TODAY SEMINAR,” for students is still ongoing. Welcome ALL for those who need to SEAMLESSLY align with the 21st Century Paradigms.
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach,
Speaker/Trainer/ Consultant 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 254772516210
Welcome to our YouTube Channel under Mwangi Wanjumbi – Empowerment Forum
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