Last Fall, I had the opportunity to spend a day with the Kenyan nationals who traveled as mentors and teachers to the Daraja Children’s Choir during their time in the United States. By the end of the day, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. They patiently listened to my questions about their educational experiences, and offered thoughtful narratives about how they can see the Kenyan educational system shaping their own children and the students they teach.
As I look at my notes from that day, a unifying thread that pops off the page at me is the heart of a teacher. The first person I sat down with was Sam. He is a volunteer music teacher for high school students at a private school in his community. When Sam was in his 20s, he felt God pressing on his heart to work with kids. He began tutoring in his home in 2010, and quickly found out that investing in kids can be a great adventure, full of both struggles and reward.
“Working with children pulls you out of the safe box you have created for yourself.” – Sam
Sam told me about how Kenyan education has become exam-oriented, primarily focused on science and math. He is concerned that in the future “kids who are not academically gifted [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][will] have nothing to fall back on.” That’s why a few years after he began tutoring, Sam began to look for outlets to teach music to kids. He enjoys introducing students to the arts because it provides opportunity for kids who are creatively minded.
Sam was not the only one who spoke of the memorization and exam-oriented focus of education in Kenya – in fact, all four adults spoke of it. Especially Paulene, who teaches Standard 8 students. At the end of Standard 8, students take a standardized test known as the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. The results of this test determine which of the secondary schools a student will attend, or even if he or she will be able to attend at all.
“When you teach Class 8, you feel fulfilled. When they pass, they are very appreciative.” – Paulene
Paulene has been teaching for close to 30 years, and she smiled fondly as she told me about how she will sometimes see one of her now grownup students in the market, and how they will excitedly run to thank her for helping prepare them for future success.
Haran, a father of two, hopes that someday his son Alvin will feel successful and fulfilled. Right now Alvin is 9 years old, and comes home each evening feeling the pressure of performing well on exams. His father is concerned his son is only memorizing the information necessary for exams, and not studying to gain knowledge that will help him grow as a leader in his community.
Haran is involved in his son’s schooling and has spoken with Alvin’s teachers about his concerns. He does empathize with the teachers in his community because, just like his 9 year old son, they are feeling the pressure of competition. The schools who perform the highest on exams are given additional funding from the government, meaning better resources being poured into the schools and communities whose students rank at the top.
“I believe a teacher should be someone who guides, who wants to be a mentor.” – Haran
Haran is thankful for his friend Abbu. Many of you know Abbu from his previous role with the Daraja Children’s Choir, and now as Canopy Life Academy’s Campus Director. Abbu’s story of education is one of self-discipline. He went to a public high school and would walk 45 minutes one way to go to school. His father passed away while he was in Class 12, and after graduating, he was not able to afford the expense of going to university right away. He found a job selling clothes, and would study business when he was able. After he graduated from university, he found himself drawn to study music. He told me, “I didn’t make a choice. It was my passion.”
It was passion that drew him to music, and passion that drew him toward sharing music with others. Through his time touring with Daraja, leading worship at his home church, and raising two children, Abbu has come to see how God uses the arts to shape children and create community.
“Part of my role is to create family for the kids.” – Abbu
The goal of Canopy Life Academy is to prepare our students to be the future leaders of Kenya. This will happen through academic pursuits like math, science, and history. But it will also happen by opening their worlds up to music, drama, and creative thinking. It is our dream that our students will dream with their Creator, becoming all He wants them to be, and that they will implement unique, beautiful ideas that will change the world.
If you want to see firsthand how the dreams of these Kenyan leaders are being chased by Canopy Life Academy, join us in Kenya this summer. Kenya’s school year runs from January – December, with breaks in the months of April, August, and December. That means you can visit our school while you are on break from yours! Registration deadlines are approaching quickly, so be sure to check out our info page today and register soon.
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