As we usher in the New Year, Dr. Paul Sharp, the Director of Sharp Education Centre and Junior School in Kayole Corner, Nairobi, and a NEC Member of the Unified APBET Schools Association (UASA-Kenya), has shared his reflections and vision for the country, emphasizing education, leadership, and national cohesion.
Strengthening Parenting Foundations
Dr. Sharp has urged parents to embrace their pivotal role in shaping the future of their children. He called for stronger parenting foundations, particularly for those with learners in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), encouraging them to actively support their children in alignment with teacher directives.
For secondary school learners, especially those in Forms Two to Four, Dr. Sharp emphasized the importance of hard work from the start of the academic year. He discouraged exam malpractice, urging students to maintain integrity and focus on identifying their strengths as they prepare for career pathway decisions.
Government Support for Education
Addressing the government, Dr. Sharp called for increased investment in the education sector. He stressed the need for:
Recruitment of more teachers in public schools.
Adequate and timely capitation for learners.
Enhanced support systems for CBC implementation.
He also appealed for the reinstatement of capitation funding for low-cost private schools (APBET), which serve learners in hard-to-reach areas, arguing that these institutions play a critical role in ensuring access to quality education for all.
A Call for Political Maturity
Dr. Sharp urged Kenyan politicians to adopt more constructive approaches to resolving differences, cautioning against confrontational tactics that undermine national unity. He suggested reintroducing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) policy as a means of fostering dialogue and addressing pressing national issues before the next general elections.
Leadership and Accountability
To the presidency, Dr. Sharp emphasized the importance of genuine dialogue with stakeholders across various sectors to address the challenges facing the nation. He called on the President’s advisors to offer candid and honest feedback to enable informed decision-making.
A Message of Hope
As the country moves forward, Dr. Sharp reminded Kenyans of the importance of unity and resilience. He urged all citizens to play their part in building a better nation, guided by principles of integrity, hard work, and mutual respect.
Dr. Sharp’s message is a timely reminder of the collective effort required to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.