Kenya Education Fund Hosts Successful 2024 Teacher Conference

Kenya Education Fund Hosts Successful 2024 Teacher Conference

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI 

The COUNTY DIARY News 

The Kenya Education Fund (KEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to fortifying its partnerships with schools by hosting the annual Teacher Conference in Karen. This year's conference assembled 80 teachers from 80 schools nationwide, all pivotal in supporting KEF-sponsored students.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by sponsored students, KEF organized this conference to equip liaison teachers—who serve as the primary contact between KEF and schools—with essential skills and knowledge. The goal was to enhance their ability to support these students effectively while also advancing their own professional development.

The conference featured a diverse array of sessions on crucial topics, including Mental Health and Stress Management, Supportive Conversations & Basic Counseling Techniques, Building Blocks of Mentoring, Personal Brand Mastery, Attributes of a Great Mentor, Mentor Psychology—Influence & Inspire, and Demystifying Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Given the rising number of high school students, it is increasingly important for teachers to manage stress effectively to ensure their well-being and that of their students. Counseling sessions, led by experts from Chiromo Hospital Group, aimed to equip teachers with skills to help students achieve their potential and address areas needing assistance.

With boarding school students spending about 70% of their time in school, teachers often become role models and guardians. Mentorship, a core value for KEF, was emphasized through a full-day bootcamp conducted in collaboration with KCB Foundation. This session highlighted the mutual benefits of mentorship for both students and teachers.

Another significant topic was the transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This shift will alter KEF’s scholarship structure, transitioning from four years of high school to three years of senior high school, and impact the academic criteria for sponsored students. The conference allowed teachers to discuss strategies for adapting to these changes, showcasing KEF’s dedication to stakeholder engagement and adaptability.

"This is my 10th liaison conference with KEF," noted Mr. Maloba, Deputy Principal at Koru Girls'. "I always look forward to this conference because it provides me with new skills. KEF is currently educating 15 girls in Koru who are thriving. The content this year is crucial for teachers, and I am excited to enhance the mental well-being of my students."

KEF Country Director Francis Ng’ang’a expressed gratitude to the teachers, stating, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teachers for their dedication and passion. Teachers are the pillars of society and play a crucial role in global development.”

Mr. Stephen Matee, Senior Programs Manager Education at KCB Foundation, addressed the gap in mentorship and highlighted their partnership with Peak Performance to bolster teacher capacity.