Education in the 21st century revolves around the competencies that can mold young people to be able to successfully change the world around them. This model of education should prepare learners to be able to solve complex problems, respond to change, communicate effectively in multiple modalities, develop individual and collective moral values, and accept technological advancements to enhance creativity and innovation and to operate in a global context.
Despite the fact that such imagination of a holistic learning experience remains a dream in many countries across the globe, education stakeholders should initiate actualization processes and discussions around it in order to overhaul the traditional approach of teaching and learning where students are subjected to memorization of concepts for examination purposes.
It is agreeable that the key skills, knowledge and competencies required in this era of education converge around critical thinking, innovation, communication and collaboration amongst various stakeholders in the sector. This is the reason behind the Annual Transforming Education Summit and Awards, spearheaded by Global Peace Foundation Kenya and its partners. This is an interactive platform which brings together education stakeholders in promoting quality education through holistic development of learners and educators in character, relationships, skills and application of knowledge to build a peaceful and sustainable future and to respond to global crisis in education.
The second edition of the summit went down on 7th of July 2023 at Panari Hotel, Nairobi and brought together more than 150 officials from different education-based institutions, partner organizations and sponsors. This year’s event was themed on “Roles of Stakeholders in Transforming Education for the Future.”
The summit was segmented into 6 panel sessions and brought together over 30 speakers to articulate issues of relevance and critical in achieving a transformed education in Kenya and globally. The deliberations and recommendations majored on areas such as; Inclusivity and Equity in education, Incorporating STEM and ICT Integration in Learning, Policy Formulation and Curriculum Development, Preparing the Youth with Transferable Competencies, Character and Skills for the Future, Influence of NGOs in Provision of Quality Education and Championing for Accessible Education Globally.
Addressing the conference as the chief guest, Dr. William Sugut, Director of Education Reforms and Junior Secondary Education Programme who represented the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, underscored the need for collaborations between private and public institutions to achieve quality education in Kenya.“ The Ministry of education will continue to collaborate with the private sector partners who have demonstrated passion for transforming education for the sake of our children.”
In his key note address to the participants on behalf of Global Peace Foundation, Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President of Education at Global Peace Foundation, rallied the panelists and attendees to inculcate character, moral and innovative leadership values in their respective schools while promoting collective responsibility amongst stakeholders. “This is truly experiential learning for the cultivation of character and morals in our schools.” The same was echoed by Mr. Daniel Juma, Executive Director, Global Peace Foundation Kenya, who appreciated the good working relationship the organization has with other influential education partners to achieve the mandate of various signature programs we currently run in Kenya. “I would encourage the team here present to work closely with us, under the leadership of Dr. Tony Devine to put into action recommendations which will be delivered in this forum.”
On her part, Ms. Mutheu Kasanga, Vice Chancellor, Lukenya University, who gave her presentation under the session of “Preparing the Youth with Transferable Competencies, Character and Skills for the Future,” expressed her concern with the large number of young, energetic and trained youths who are not able to secure job opportunities in the country. “We have a serious problem with our youth; the unemployment rate is a great concern to all of us in the education sector.”
The key recommendations that formed part of the resolutions for the second edition of the summit are:
- There is need to promote inclusivity in education and give each and every child a chance to succeed in life.
- Character and Creativity should be incorporated in the Curriculum to enhance personal skills and talents of learners.
- Promotion of integration of technology and STEM subjects remains a desire to many stakeholders in education.
- Public-Private partnership will form a solid collaboration approach in putting into action transformed education modalities.
- High level of unemployment exposes students and young people to hopelessness thus there is need to promote entrepreneurship and business acceleration to learners from lower primary to tertiary levels.
- The implementation of Competency Based Curriculum is still a struggle due to inadequate skills among teachers, poor infrastructure, unfavorable policies and evaluation systems.
The speakers and participants who attended and graced the summit were drawn from organizations such as Ministry of Education, Bridge International Academies, Standard Media Group, Oracle Academy, World Vision Kenya, Plan International, UNICAF Kenya, Acorn Special Tutorials, Kesho Kenya, Wavumbuzi, EdTech East Africa, Vera Beauty and Fashion College, Nova Pioneer, Lukenya University, Kenya Association of International Schools, Kenya Private Schools Association among other partners.
Some of the organizations such as Oracle Academy, Bridge International Academies, Ministry of Education, World Vision Kenya, Kesho Kenya, EdTech East Africa, Mali Therapy Centre for Children with Autism among others were recognized for their tremendous efforts in transforming education.
As the curtain fell to mark the end of this year’s summit, we remain hopeful to continue with the same program and make it even bigger and better in years to come, to trigger necessary changes in the way we offer education to channel out holistic learners who can be change makers in their immediate societies.
To sum it up, as was once said by Margaret Mead that “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. The future of transforming education for the future starts now.