Njeri Rionge
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12-18-2007 04:20 AM ET (US)
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The educational system debate in Kenya and beyond, in general. In the recent past, this has been an ongoing conversation everywhere i go!
At this stage, I believe that we all agree they are indeed deficits in the educational systems that are! There is a need to evolve from a culture, where instruction based and cramming methodologies, to pass exams, whose days are long gone, must come to pass. If the government/private sector has any real intentions in forging economic improvements, it must start with a serious self-actualization of what works. As follows;
1. We need to identify other methodologies of learning beyond the ones we focus on and will in most cases die for, the degree process and focus in this country and others is creating a deadlock for fostering initiative driven from the self entrepreneurship and open mindedness of thinking out of the box. Today's Jua Kali is tomorrows economic boost for industry, but one would argue that these new economy businesses are not poised to meet the criterions set by those who see things from a narrow and in the box, already not working poverty eradication concepts. At the end, practical teaching gains more benefits, and this is a missing link in our educational process today.
2. The systematic approach methods of developing ICT opportunities and other areas of possible partnerships, is missing. It is obvious that the current structure of government is suffering the same major issues of private sector where decisions are made in silo's and therefore in most cases, have no connectivity with the larger potential benefit which brings about first time, first right equals success. The organizations that create capacity to involve key recourses in their decision-making processes stand a better chance of knowledge transfer and ability to plan succession. If succession structures were in place, we would be aligning those stepping out into the market to take up new positions that foster capacity to bridge the current glaring gaps, which will hinder growth in the coming years.
3. We need a serious intervention on how we communicate as a people; we also need to start hearing each other’s views. They are too much of an adherence to status quo, anything that is different has to be questioned and then questioned instead of opening ourselves to possibilities. The fact is we are a developing economy; we are not the first and or the last to pass through this passage of development. What I believe we MUST do is to embrace changes together and to break the structures of the norms. What do I mean? We cannot continue to use the local benchmarks of the past into the future of Kenya, we must look at the external benchmarks of other countries, of cause as you read this you will argue that we do this, well the fact is, since we are not high risk takers on areas we are not good at, we end up recoiling to local benchmarks. The extent of this is that our own are recognized by outsiders, we do not even notice them. Look around you
anyway, I must admit that this is slowly changing, in fact I am very excited by the new approach of positioning the new generation of entrepreneurs who are up and coming and moving at very high speeds, which I encourage and appreciate. The only concern being we are not seeing these young and energetic minds being absorbed in key decision making positions. What I would like to see more is knowledge transfer from the godfathers and godmothers who need to move into more advisory roles and leave the busy, working and engagement structures of boards and executive leadership positions to younger executives. Again, someone would argue but they are not mature and even not exposed enough, well, who are these people being lead and coached by???? Who coached those before you and how is it that you can do it and others cannot. In South Africa the Black Empowerment is working, even though with some difficulty, but working never the less. If you teach a man how to fish, your better off than feeding him for life
well the saying goes something like that
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4. Well, having been in the training and development arena for one year, these are my findings.
a) We are not a reading or continuous learning society
b) We are exposed, but narrow minded in our views for change and improvement, perhaps this is brought about by the fact, since one is educated (has a degree(s) they know all that they need to know and they are therefore not interested in furthering their scope of continued improvement of knowledge. If one were an expert in IT for instance, how would you better improve your marketability and scope of understanding the business dynamics of your area of interest?
c) Self initiative and drive is a value that people must respect, in my findings, I have realized that people replace their own potential for success with someone else, other than themselves, of cause this statement will be used to counter a statement on this very email, but the questions are, who is leading whom? Where are we headed? What are the values that we hold and how do those with whom we interact with recognize them. At the end, this election process should teach us a lesson or two, I cannot wait for the announcements. But in the end, if you are reading in between the lines, it is time for ACTION. Seating on the fence is for the fearful and weak. Forging forward is for the strong and confident in self. Looking at the entire continent we have a huge potential but we must stand up to be counted. Let’s not look at those we know and expect them to take the leap of faith, they are already doing it, what are you doing??? Secondly, quest for knowledge without the competency to apply that, that one knows is yet another area of great weakness. In other words, knowledge should equal competence coupled with the ability to change the mindset, which of cause yet another area that needs a paradigm shift.
Well, enough said all is not lost, Kenya is indeed scaling and we need to forge forward with confidence and ability to cease the moment as Kenyans, otherwise others will come to benefit. They are already working in your back yards etc
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| ReeltyStar - Miami
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78
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12-30-2007 12:39 PM ET (US)
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Greetings Ms. Rionge:
I was in the process of purchasing a Domain name for my new business. But before beginning, I began an inquisitive search to see which agency manage and/or house all domain names. My search resulted in learning of ICANN and your Bio. It pays to challenge the mind and think outside of the box, because I may have never learned of your awesomeness and good work!
In the US, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, I work for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the US 4th largest public school district. I serve as a Procurement Management Administrator. Your message board promotes teaching others to work with a sense of urgency and to think outside of the box. You have stated everything I instill into my wonderful staff. This let's me know I'm on target with my management style. You obviously have a passion for education, so if accepted, I would like to send you an autographed copy of the book written recently by my Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rudolph F. Crew, Ed., with Thomas DYJA, titled: "Only Connect, The Way To Save Our Schools". Dr. Crew asks and motions: "Can our kids compete globally? Yes-If WE get smart. www.rudycrewconnect.com or www.dadeschools.net
Lastly. I am familiar with OWIT, but have lost contact with the founder of this organization over the years. When they visited Miami, I had the pleasure of meeting members at my church.
God bless you in all your endeavors and Happy New Year!
Reeltystar@yahoo.com (Film & Entertainment Location Shoots Management Firm)
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| wiliam6
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04-02-2008 04:40 AM ET (US)
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