The age-old adage “sharpen the axe before you cut the tree” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation in all aspects of life. This principle comes to life through the community service efforts of Strathmore University students working alongside Challenge Aid Africa in Kibera and the impactful initiatives of adult education teachers in Kajiado. Both examples showcase how careful preparation and targeted training can create meaningful, long-lasting change in communities.
In partnership with Challenge Aid Africa, Strathmore University’s Community Service Centre (CSC) organized a four-day Numeracy and Literacy Training for its students. The objective was straightforward yet profound: to prepare students with the tools and expertise needed to teach and inspire young learners in underprivileged communities as part of the university’s Service to Society mission. Armed with this training, the students will soon volunteer to teach children in Kibera and other informal settlements across Nairobi, sharing the skills they have gained to make a lasting impact.
As part of the training, the team dedicated an entire morning to visiting four schools in Kibera: Glory Primary School, Xaviour King Educational Centre, St. Mary’s Mashimoni Squatters Primary School, and Ushirika Primary School. This wasn’t just a casual visit; it was an important component of the training, focusing on assessing the students’ reading levels and orienting those who had not previously visited the area. Different teams were assigned to different schools, with the main goal being to evaluate the students’ literacy levels and prepare the volunteers for their teaching roles in the community.
Throughout the training, the teams remained dedicated, conducting thorough assessments to understand the students’ reading abilities. This hands-on experience added another layer of preparation, helping the volunteers better connect with the community they would soon be teaching.
One notable participant in this training was John* a teacher from Kajiado County and a project coordinator for adult education in the area. John’s story exemplifies the far-reaching effects of a well-prepared teacher. While he was grateful for the training he received, he also recognized that the training needed to extend beyond just him. He noted that adult education teachers in Kajiado would also benefit from this kind of knowledge and committed to conducting refresher courses for them once he returned home.
This dedication to professional development of his peers demonstrates the ripple effect of effective training. By honing his own skills, he can now help others do the same, ultimately raising the standard of teaching in adult education across his region. This is a prime example of how one well-trained individual can multiply their impact by empowering others.
On the final day of the training, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, the Vice Chancellor of Strathmore University, addressed the students, offering words of wisdom that would serve them well during their community service. He urged the students to focus on building relationships with the children they would be teaching, emphasizing that these relationships could lead to valuable connections in the future.
“Make friends with the children if you can,” Dr. Ogutu advised, “those relationships will result in future connections.” He further reminded the students that challenges often give rise to innovation, encouraging them to be observant and curious in their approach to teaching. “Problems make innovators, all you need to do is be observant and learn new skills,” he said.
Dr. Ogutu left the students with a profound message: “Don’t confuse not speaking English with not being intelligent.” He emphasized the importance of valuing every student, regardless of their language or background. He also urged them to approach challenges with resilience, stating, “You need some courage to be there. If you don’t survive, don’t quit, because that means you are almost there.” His words were a rallying cry for persistence, encouraging students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and meaningful impact.
Sharon, a Strathmore student, reflected on her experience saying “I’ve always loved being around children, and this training will allow me to engage with them in a meaningful way. It taught me that learners at the same grade can have different literacy levels, emphasizing the need for personalized attention. I have gained skills in empathy, communication, and confidence-building, which I’ll apply in both community service and future work. The ‘I do, we do, you do’ method stood out as it helps build my confidence. This training has inspired me to continue learning and get more involved in community service, with hopes of positively impacting the children and their families.”
Bobo, a student from SCES, also shared her perspective. “I’ve always had a passion for teaching, and when I saw this opportunity, I knew I had to take it. The training helped me realize how difficult life can be for some, and it taught me the importance of adaptability in different environments. I’m looking forward to helping children become better readers and writers, and I hope to inspire others to get involved in similar initiatives.”
This training plays a pivotal role in the Service-Based Learning (SBL) attachment, a mandatory graduation requirement for every Strathmore University student. Designed for first-year students, it offers a chance to volunteer across various sectors, making meaningful contributions to their communities. However, securing placements in organizations is often a significant challenge. Thanks to the CSC’s partnership with Challenge Aid Africa, students are now better equipped to access these opportunities more efficiently, bringing positive impact to the communities they serve.
Article written by Teresa Nekesa
What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu
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