School leaders are largely responsible for establishing the climate and culture of a school (Bier, 2021). They have a significant impact on the well-being and achievement of both teachers and students. However, the rising cases of school unrest, cheating in exams, teenage pregnancies and abuse of drugs across the Country is an imminent threat to democratic community, a thriving economy, and a flourishing society. Nationally, there is a recognized need for new approaches to school leadership to meet the current needs of our schools and students (Levin, Bradley; Scott, 2019)
In this background, the Centre for Character and Leadership (CCL) in collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) conducted the Cohort 2 training targeting secondary school principals and teachers. The four days’ workshop was held from July 4-7, 2022 at KICD with the theme ‘Cultivating Virtues in Kenyan School Leaders’ (CViL). The purpose of CViL workshop was to help guide the school leaders on a personal and professional development journey of self-discovery and commitment to leadership that promote excellence and well-being of all stakeholders and the flourishing of school communities – holistically.
Speaking during the Workshop, Grace Ngugi, Deputy Director, Department of Special Programmes at the KICD shared the opening remarks on ‘Virtues and Leadership in Curriculum Development’ on behalf of Prof. Charles O. Ong’ondo, Chief Executive Officer, KICD. She emphasized on the need of implementing Values Based Education through whole school approach as entrenched in the newly developed Competency Based Curriculum for both Primary and Secondary Schools. The participants were engaged through interactive sessions on Servant Leadership, Character Education, and virtue development. Greenleaf (1977) conceptualizes Servant-leadership as a virtue-based philosophy and style of leadership in which leaders focus on relationships and persuasion rather than command and control. The servant-leaders take a holistic approach to work and see themselves as stewards of the people and the resources entrusted to them (Van Dierendonck, 2011). The individual virtues workshops included noble purpose, integrity, humility, gratitude, forgiveness, courage, empowerment, foresight, and stewardship.
The facilitators integrated participatory teaching methods in order to keep the training lively and interactive. In addition, participants had an opportunity to listen and learn some of the best practices in servant leadership and virtue development from the CViL Cohort 1 schools i.e Ruai Boys Secondary and Buruburu Girls Seconday School. Some of the documented best practices included use of talking notice board where students write and post individual virtue transformation narratives; virtue of the week initiative, talking walls and pillars which are branded with virtues as well as the ‘adopt a tree and tag’ a virtue initiative.
The educators testified that the training was timely and impactful: “From this workshop, I was so touched when my colleague said that I am her role model…let’s be servant to our clients,” said an inspired teacher.
“I cannot regret those days I have attended the workshop…I am going back wealthier than I came. In fact, this is what we need to change the world – Character!” said a transformed participant.
“Learning is so important…the more we learn, the more we are empowered, the more we become humble and simple…your methods of teaching were great,” said an elated teacher as he shared about his leadership transformation.
“This is very important for me as an individual, school and our families… As parents, we need to instill and cultivate virtues in our children,” said an inspired School Principal.
“Transformation start with us …let’s go back to our schools and make a difference. Start small and you will grow,” asserted Dr. Christine Obaigwa, CCL Council member from the Kenya Education Management Institute as she officially closed the workshop. All the participants were awarded with Certificates. This training was supported with the funds from Templeton World Charity Foundation and facilitated by the CViL developers research consultants from the Center for Character and Citizenship – University of Missouri St. Louis, USA led by Dr. Melinda Bier and Deborah O’Reilly. Other members of the Character and Leadership Council who addressed the workshop included: Dr. Hellen Boruett from the Ministry of Education and Dr. Dimba from Strathmore University. Mr. Peter Kingori, CViL Project Leader appreciated the support of all stakeholders and commitment of School Principals and teachers for attending the workshop despite it being a short school holiday.
References
Bier, M.C. (2021). Servant Leadership for School Principals: A Virtue Cultivation Model. Journal of Character Education Special Issue, 16, (2). Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). The Servant as Leader. Retrieved from http://media.johnwiley.com.au/product_data/excerpt/52/07879745/0787974552.pdf
Levin, S., Bradley, K., & Scott, C. (2019). Principal Turnover: Insights from Current Principals.
Report from The National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Van Dierendonck, D. (2011). Servant leadership: A review and synthesis. Journal of Management, 37(4), 1228–1261.