The dream of having a country with a fully transformed education system remains a big dream to many countries across Africa and the world in general. This refers to education that moulds learners who are holistic and able to be change makers and problem solvers in the society through the use of acquired knowledge and skills.
This kind of learning techniques involves rethinking of education practices, integration of sustainable development in the curriculum, fostering use of information technology to advance acquisition of knowledge and skills among others.
The objective and mission of realizing such a society where learning in not only sitting in class to wait for the teacher, but rather a process where students, parents and stakeholders are all participants has been and will remain a commitment of Global Peace Foundation Kenya.
To make this a reality, Global Peace Foundation Kenya and Standard Media Group PLC in partnership with the Kenya Private Schools Association, Moringa School, Al-Khair Foundation, Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology in Africa, Mali Therapy Centre for Children with Autism, UNICAF Kenya, Opinion Track Ltd and Plan International organized the 3rd Edition of Great Places To School Initiative Gala Dinner to appreciate and award schools whose learning environment and general school culture contributes to the development of a total child holistically.
The event went down at Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi on 27th January, 2023 and brought together more than 40 schools (both primary and high schools) which made it to the final list of winners out of 200 entries. In attendance were also top education-based institutions, through their representatives, who were part of the pre-awarding ceremony sessions.
In order to give an in-depth on roles being played by different organizations which partnered with us in this noble initiative, the two sessions focused on:
- Education with Impactive Outcomes
- Transforming Education in the 21st Century
The awards were based on the following categories:
- School Safety, Health & Sanitation
- Transformative Technology & Digital Skills (STEM)
- Climate Action
- Equity & Inclusion
- Extra-Curricular Activities
- Academic Excellence
- Values, Skills & Character
- Career Guidance & Workforce Readiness
- Moral and Innovative School Leadership
- Global Competence
- Scholarships & Corporate Social Responsibility
Gracing this special gathering, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, who was the chief guest, applauded the organizers for taking a bold step in complementing the ministry in ensuring that learners in both public and private institutions acquire quality education. He also elaborated on various initiatives being undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza government, non-governmental organizations and other partners in realizing a visionary learning in Kenya. Being the first time, he attended such an event since his assumption of office last year, the CS promised to work closely with GPF-Kenya and other stakeholders to implement such initiatives.
On his part Rev. Father Canice Chinyieka, International Program Development Specialist, Global Peace Foundation International who represented the Global Peace Foundation Headquarters, expressed his desire for the organization to work with education stakeholders in Kenya and Africa in education matters. In his speech, he also focused on how peace can be achieved in countries with endless conflicts by just fostering education as a tool for peacebuilding. He hailed the tremendous efforts that GPF-Kenya has made from 2019 to date in ensuring that the vision of GPTS Annual Gala Dinner is achieved.
The same sentiments were echoed by our Country Director, Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, who took his time to narrate to the attendees the genesis of GPTS Initiative, its previous achievements and the need to embrace it in future as the annual rating and score card for schools which are doing explicitly well in the education sector.
To wrap it up, Mr. Olando Lyomu, The Group Chief Executive Officer, Standard Media Group, promised that they will continue to partner with GPF-Kenya and other interested parties in ensuring the sustainability and continuity of the program.
As the curtain fell late at night to mark the end of the event which had over 250 attendees from top schools in the country, representatives of various partner-institutions, ministry of education officials among others, the only assuredly that GPF-Kenya gave to the Kenyan Schools and the world in general is that The Great Places To School 4th Edition will be bigger and better next year.
As was once said by Abigail Adams, “Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence”