By Eric Ziribagwa
The Zizi Afrique Foundation has joined forces with African Union to declare the year 2024 as the year of education with an aim of adapting to the competency-based education systems in East Africa.
With the theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive and Lifelong Learning”, the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) is aiming at nurturi learner’s potential and mainstream values as well as impact them with life skills that will help them navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Dr. John Mugo the Executive Director, Zizi Afrique Foundation, stated that this is the first time in history African Union has considered education central for human capital development across the continent.
Dr. Mugo’s remarks stated that Zizi Afrique Foundation together with other partners in East Africa are working together to ensure that CBC will work out for the betterment of learners.
“As Kenya and East Africa we are bringing together contribution not to just complain about CBC and what is not working but bringing our contribution so that CBC can work.” Dr. Mugo sated.
According to the AU, an assessment focussing on three skills (self-awareness, collaboration, problem solving) and one value (respect) was done across East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar).
The findings indicated that out of over 45,000 in-school and out-of-school adolescent boys (48.6%) and girls (51.2%) from 13 to 17 years of age, less than 10% have proficiencies in the skills.
On 27th February 2024, ALiVE conducted the first pilot of the tools in three schools in Kenya: Kamihindu, Ngurubani Westlands primary schools, located in Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nairobi counties, respectively where lessons drawn from the pilot will inform the national assessment that shall conduct later in the year will be shaped.