Education Experts Want Life Skills Integrated into CBC.
Education experts from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are pushing for the integration of life skills into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as a core component of the new education system. This initiative aims to equip learners with essential competencies that go beyond traditional academics.
A conference organized by Zizi Afrique Foundation through the Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALIVE) programme emphasized the need for a comprehensive educational approach.
The forum, held in Isiolo County, marked five years of advocacy for incorporating life skills into the education system, ensuring learners actively participate in their development from an early stage.
The executive director of Zizi Afrique Foundation, Mr. John Mugo, underscored that education alone is insufficient for a child’s holistic development. He stressed the necessity of equipping learners with real-life skills, integrity, resilience, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence to help them succeed beyond the classroom.
He explained that the approach involves collaboration with key institutions such as teacher training colleges, curriculum developers, and examination councils to ensure life skills are actively integrated into CBC.
Mr. Mugo also highlighted that while mainstream academic skills are central to CBC, greater emphasis should be placed on engaging teachers and parents as active implementers. He pointed out that holistic development requires their involvement to instill these essential competencies in learners.
The Need for a Learner-Centred Approach
Dr. Irene Nyamu, a representative from the Regional Education Learning Initiative, cautioned that failure to adopt a learner-centred approach could result in a generation of graduates unable to handle 21st-century challenges. She emphasized that shifting teaching methods would produce graduates with adaptability, problem-solving skills, and strong ethical values.
Dr. Grace Baguma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda’s National Curriculum Development Centre, stressed the importance of redefining education priorities. She advocated for a curriculum that focuses on integrity, innovation, and social responsibility to prepare learners for future societal roles.
Dr. Purity Ngina, CEO of Kenya National Gender and Equality Commission, pointed out that introducing critical thinking, empathy, and respect at a young age could significantly reduce gender-based violence (GBV), corruption, and youth delinquency. She noted that instilling these values early would create a more responsible and ethical society.
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Ms. Shoba Liban, Coordinator for ‘Women for Health and Education,’ acknowledged that children from pastoralist communities and arid or semi-arid regions would benefit immensely from the proposed education reforms. She indicated that discussions had reinforced the idea that life skills are no longer optional but essential.
She noted that the recommendations from the meeting would be presented to various East African education ministries. The goal is to reshape CBC into a system that not only educates but also empowers learners, fostering a generation equipped with both academic knowledge and essential life skills.
Education Experts Want Life Skills Integrated into CBC
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