Schools urged to instil leadership and governance skills in students

Schools in Kenya have been urged to instil leadership and governance skills in students. This is due to the fact that the children are the hope of the future generation and are indeed future leaders of the nation. If children or the young generation are not properly guided into handling leadership and responsibilities then the future is doomed for a nation hence this brings about the necessity of introducing leadership education in schools at lower levels so as to shape them for the future.

This has led to the adoption of voting for school leaders by students hence giving them a feel of democracy and preparing them for future responsibilities.

In the classes, young student leaders confidently campaign for a chance to be part of the student council. There are various leadership positions to take up in the council, ranging from head boy and head girl, to entertainment and games captains, and even class prefects.

14 year old Nereah Odhiambo is vying for School Head Girl and is campaigning from one class to the other. Her motto ‘Vote for the Credible, not the Incredible’ has already drawn a lot of attention from students. As she speaks on the policies she would like to put in place, her eloquence and confidence reveals leadership qualities and maturity far beyond her years. 

“This opportunity has really developed my leadership skills,” she says. “And I know it will help me relate with others very well.”

Watching the campaigns and election process take place, one would be amazed at how eager the students are to take part in school governance. Even those in lower primary have not been left out and are involved in electing their class prefects. Schools that have adopted the child friendly approach are empowering their students to participate in school governance affairs, including electing their own student leaders.

UNICEF in partnership with the Government through the Ministry of Education conducted a survey in 2008 to establish the relevance of student participation in school governance. This survey has contributed to the establishment of Child Friendly School (CFS) practices by empowering students to take part in the decision making process for a more cohesive school community and conducive learning environment. 

The survey also indicates that student participation in school management tends to improve learning and instils positive values in the child. Therefore, other than election of student leaders, schools are encouraged to involve their students in  matters that affect their lives including student discipline and how they can channel their grievances.

Many schools across the country, both secondary and primary, have adopted this approach allowing students to exercise their democratic rights at a young age. Nairobi Primary was part of the pilot programme on school governance in primary schools and so far more than 20 other schools have taken up the initiative. UNICEF Chief of Education Suguru Mizunoya says that this Child-Friendly School approach should go a notch higher and take up a national status.

Just as secondary schools have set up a national student council, Mr. Mizunoya urges primary head teachers to work together in establishing a Children’s Government. “Development of a national student council would be a very powerful mechanism to listen to the voice of children,” he adds. “We have a right to vote but children don’t. Opportunities for children to express their opinion are very limited but this can happen through the national student government.”

Back at Nairobi Primary, elections are on-going as students cast their votes. 15 year old Assumpta Umutoni is in line waiting her turn to elect the student council. She is excited to be a part of school governance unlike in the past when teachers appointed student leaders without involving the students. Assumpta has followed the election process keenly and is eager to elect leaders who are just and fair.

“I am happy that my views and that of other students are counted!” She says after casting her vote.

Even the teachers have noticed a positive change in the school ever since they adopted the student council.   

Speaking while attending a prefects’ investiture ceremony at the Oshwal Academy, Nairobi, Sports Cabinet Secretary Dr Hassan Wario said this was one way in which schools can prepare students for a lifetime of participation in democratic processes by training them in self–governance within the school context.

According to Dr wario, who is a parent of the school, students often have good ideas about how to improve their schools and communities with valuable insights that could enable learning institutions prosper and avoid wrangles with students.

References : www.unicef.org

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