Many parents have taken loans or “msadas” from family, acquaintances, and well-wishers to keep their children in school. They are desperate to give their wards the best education and opportunities they can afford, but they are at the mercy of the education industry investors. Parents, remember that you are the demander in this cycle! You demand quality, you get quality! You make the world of education go round. An education, regardless of its origin, is only viable if it resonates with the holistic growth of the learner – your child!
When the education system propels its learners to overcome challenges and equips them with the morale to persevere and succeed in life, then it was a success, and you are almost guaranteed that your ward will make it in the world, against all odds!
Currently, in Kenya, many well-established schools that claim to be accredited international schools or even CBC schools are charging exorbitant fees for basic education. Basic education is the right of every child! After high school, any education pursued is an investment in that child’s future! The investment can be sourced through parents, community funds, or even better, by the child themselves! Basic education should equip learners with enough confidence to pursue vocational or soft skills in professional training in their desired industry through shadowing, mentoring, and coaching opportunities – Before, they pursue their University education!
This way, the learner is sure of the industry they would like to belong to and can work towards gaining relevant, hands-on, and informed experiences, academically and professionally.
If we allow children to take a minimum break of one year between high school and tertiary education, we would have a better quality, more focused, and passionate workforce that would be driven to be the change they want to see in their new world! Universities, colleges, and training institutions too will come up with more tailored programs and degrees that will bring down the level of unemployment – because every learner will have a unique sharpened skill that will create a demand, actually, a niche, in the economy. Employers will be hiring real skills and not just book knowledge for their industries! Hooray for winning over poverty! Hooray for technological advancements! Hooray for economic advantages. By the way, Generation Alpha is already here. Educationists, are you prepared for them?
Choosing a curriculum for your child can be a daunting task, and it’s understandable to seek guidance from subject experts. However, it’s important to remember that no one knows your child better than you do. As a parent, it’s crucial to assess your child’s learning style, interests, and strengths before making a decision about their education.
Unfortunately, many schools prioritize documentation verification and entrance exams over truly getting to know the learner. This can result in a one-size-fits-all approach to education that may not be suitable for your child. As a parent, you should advocate for your child and seek out schools that prioritize individualized learning and personal growth.
The education system is evolving to prioritize the development of skills and competencies over just acquiring knowledge and certifications. This shift is driven by the need to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century and the changing global workforce. Schools are upgrading their teaching staff, digital devices, and software, and engaging in training programs to keep up with the changes and ensure they are relevant and inclusive.
In the past, obtaining certification was often seen as sufficient for getting a job, but employers are now looking for more than just a piece of paper. They want employees who can demonstrate skills, competencies, and attitudes that are applicable to the job. This is why the education system is moving towards competency-based curriculums that assess the application of education and not just the acquisition of knowledge.
Indeed, the education system is evolving rapidly and shifting towards skill and competency-based curriculums. The focus is now on inclusive and differentiated learning approaches, which aim to develop learners’ skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for their future careers. The traditional methods of assessment that relied on memorization and regurgitation of information are no longer valid, and new assessment methods are being developed to measure learners’ abilities to apply what they have learned in real-life scenarios. International curriculums are also following the trend by introducing open-book assessments and emphasizing analytical and problem-solving skills. It’s essential for parents and educators to understand the changing landscape of education and prepare learners accordingly to succeed in the future.
The partnership between parents, teachers, and learners is essential to navigating the challenges of evolving curriculums. Teachers need to be passionate about their profession and equipped with the necessary skills to deliver the curriculum effectively. Parents need to be actively engaged in their child’s learning process, supporting them and providing a conducive environment for their growth. Learners need to be motivated, curious, willing to learn, and not afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed.
Together, parents, teachers, and learners can work towards creating a supportive learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This will enable learners to develop the competencies necessary to succeed in the ever-changing global landscape. Remember, the goal of education is not just to impart knowledge, but to empower learners with the skills and attitudes needed to navigate life’s challenges and contribute positively to society.
Have you ever wondered if the education your children are receiving is as transformative as the success stories of children who thrive despite living in poor and challenging conditions? While education has three primary stakeholders – teachers, learners, and parents – it has now become a cash cow and lucrative business for investors.
Many parents take out loans or ask for support from family and friends to keep their children in school, hoping to provide them with the best education and opportunities possible. However, parents must remember that they are the demanders in this cycle, and they must demand quality education that resonates with their child’s holistic growth.
If an education system enhances a learner’s ethical values, and social, intrapersonal, and technical skills, without losing their individualistic nature, it can be deemed successful. If the education system instills the morale to persevere and succeed in life, it is a success, and the parents’ parenting style has complemented it.
Many schools in Kenya claim to be accredited international or CBC schools but charge exorbitant fees for basic education, which is the right of every child. After high school, any education pursued is an investment in a child’s future, and the investment can be sourced through parents, community funds, or by the child themselves. Basic education must equip learners with the confidence to pursue professional soft skills in their desired industry through shadowing, mentoring, and coaching opportunities.
If learners take a minimum break of one year between high school and tertiary education, they will be a better quality, more focused, and passionate workforce that can drive change in their new world. Universities, colleges, and training institutions will also develop more tailored programs and degrees that will bring down the level of unemployment. Every learner will have unique, sharpened skills that will create a demand, a niche, in the economy. Employers will be hiring real skills and not book knowledge for their industries.
The education system is rapidly evolving to become more skilled and competency-based, with a focus on differentiated learning and holistic approaches. Schools are upgrading their teaching staff, and digital devices/software, and engaging in different programs of training of trainers.
If the learning process is not giving desired results, change the process, and don’t increase the pressure on the child, yourself, or your finances. If the child enjoys the school environment but cannot grasp the concepts easily, ask the teachers to support them during school hours. Extra tuition from the same teachers after school hours is often a deception. Look for a coach from a different institution who can prescribe a regime to bring out the best in your child. If that doesn’t help, consider exploring other curriculums and learning materials, including options like home and online schooling.
As a parent, your task is to select a conducive school and system for your child and to remain a present, relevant, and fair parent. Invest your time, and effort, and focus on being the parent that your school-going child needs during their young years. Make choices that show your child how much you love them. Spend quality time with them during childhood, as that time will never come back again. The importance of investing time, effort, and focus on being a present and relevant parent cannot be overstated. Showing your child how much you love them through the choices you make can have a significant impact on their development and well-being. When parents are absent or neglectful, children may seek material possessions or other forms of external validation to fill the void.
As parents, it is important to ask ourselves what kind of relationship we want to have with our children at different stages of their lives. What topics do we want to discuss with them today, and what conversations do we want to have with them as they go through different stages of life? What experiences, expectations, and lessons do we want to share with them, and what do we want to learn from them in return? What legacy, practice, or dream do we want our children to fulfill, even after we are gone?
When each of your children comes home to you, make sure your focus is on being present, relevant, and fair. By doing so, you can help ensure that your child develops into a well-rounded, confident, and capable individual who can thrive in the world.
Article written by:
Sonia Kaur
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