During the T4T-visit to Kwale from Sept 27-Oktober 6 2018 the feeling of Ubuntu definitely lead to wonderful examples of development in education in Kwale. Head teachers of primary schools, specialists in ECD and SNE and HOD’s in secondary schools met, connected and learned from each other in several workshops in Mwereni, Ng’gombeni Waa, Mazeras, Ndavaya, Tsimba Tiwi, Mgongani, Lunga Lunga ans Shimba Hills. About 250 Kenyan colleagues were present to follow workshops in Their zones. Central themes, requested by a lot of them, were an effective way to manage the TPAD Lesson Observation Form, especially part 3 (teaching methods and techniques)and 5 (classroom management) and formative assessments of learners.
The use of the Stool of Confident, which is becoming more and more common in Kwale, could be combined with the L.O.F. Focusing in the preparatory meeting with the teacher would undoubtedly help to make observations more effective, the head teachers concluded. The workshops were facilitated by certified Kenyan head teachers. Also Kenyan T4T board members visited some of the workshops. During the final celebration in Forest Lodge, Ukunda, the acrobats of Tarambetta group, Kenyan and Dutch head teachers symbolized the Ubuntu feeling by building a human tower together from the grond. It appeared to be a choreographic of Dick de Groot, who is resigning from the T4T board. We are very grateful with his contribution to our programs.
Kenyan trainers school leaders course certified
After having trained and certified head teachers and coachees in the school leaders course, which T4T organized since 2007, now 4 selected trainers were certified during the final celebration. They will conduct the next course, monitored by their Dutch trainers. With this steps the ownership of T4T-programs will become more and more Kenyan. Also 4 new coachees were trained this time. They will practice their coaching skills within the school leaders course. The participants as well as the coachees will get an assessment next February.
CSO’s more involved
The CSO’s of Kwale also had a half day meeting with T4T in Forest Lodge, Ukunda. They shared and discussed some knowledge about the formative assessments, they learned in Voi and how to create rubrics for different competences.
We also discussed the involvement of the CSO’s in the choice of applicants to the new school leaders course. They emphasized the importance of good performing of the schools of new participants, so that they will be trustworthy to coach other head teachers. Chairman Suleiman Mwalonya will be involved in the selection of new school leaders.
Organisation
All these activities would not have been possible without the excellent preparation and organisation of T4T- director Francis Nzai and transfer manager James Coolke. I like to thank them so much.
Ruud Musman