Tap children's potential at an early stage, Machogu urges

Teach for Kenya CEO Yukabeth Kidenda, and Education Director General Elyas Abdi listen to Teach for All co-founder Wendy Kopp during a three-day summit at Ole Sereni on October 17, 2023. [Mike, Kihaki, Standard]

Education stakeholders have been challenged to monitor children's growth and development immediately after they are enrolled in school to realise their full potential.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said this will foster communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, imagination, creativity, citizenship, self-efficacy and digital literacy of the children.

Machogu said children have untapped potential which should be nurtured early in life.

''No child is a failure. It's only us, the adults, who have failed to tap the potential of every child. That is the reason why the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is focusing on summative assessment," Machogu stated.

He spoke during the opening of the 2023 Teach for All Global Conference in Nairobi. ''The meeting brings together stakeholders to mobilise promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for education. They are working to ensure all children have the opportunity to achieve their potential,'' Machogu said.

The details were contained in a speech read on his behalf by the Director General in the Ministry, Dr Elyas Abdi.

The summit brings together efforts from over 600 educators, leaders, and supporters worldwide. The meeting was organised by Teach for All, an organisation that trains young people in leadership. The three-day conference was hosted by Teach for Kenya, an organisation that posts tutors from universities to schools in marginalised areas to supplement staffing.

Teach for Kenya CEO Yukabeth Kidenda challenged education stakeholders to ensure all students are given equal opportunities to thrive. "Our shared goal is not merely to educate, but also to create leaders. Africa, with its rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and stories, holds countless lessons on leadership. We believe every child can lead, and we have to ensure we commit to unlocking that leadership,'' she said.

Teach for All co-founder and CEO Wendy Kopp said the meeting will make a big difference in the lives of growing children in public schools across vulnerable areas.