On 11th August 2023, the Centre for Character and Leadership hosted a virtual conference on Cultivating Virtues for Leadership that was attended by various stakeholders working in the education sector. These included secondary school principals, teachers and government representatives from the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission.

The conference was held as a culmination of two years pilot implementation of the ‘Cultivating Virtues in Kenyan School leaders (CViL) project with support from the Templeton World Charity Foundation. CViL was designed to guide and support educators on a personal and professional journey of growth and development through the cultivation of servant leadership virtues. The virtues included noble purpose, integrity, humility, gratitude, forgiveness, courage, empowerment, foresight, and stewardship.

During the conference, principals and teachers from the CViL pilot schools located in 16 Counties made inspiring presentations of the character-based best practices which they have documented over time. The practices are helping in fostering good character among the learners as well as supporting improvement of school culture and climate.

Notable promising practices included:

• Virtue of the week initiative, talking pillars initiative and establishment of family mentorship meetings by Ruai Boys High School in Nairobi County.
• Incorporation of virtues in school activities, and engaging learners in community service learning by Matobo Secondary School in Kericho County.
• Peer mentorship program and project based learning initiatives by Kamirithu Secondary School in Kiambu County.
• Adopt a tree and tag a virtue initiative by Buruburu Girls High School in Nairobi County.
• Character-based recognition of learners by Mutira Girls High School in Kirinyaga County.
• Touch a soul initiative by Drumvale Secondary School in Nairobi County
• Peer Counseling Hour by Baraka Oontoyie Secondary School in Kajiado County
• Talking walls initiative by Kaabazi Secondary School in Nakuru County.
• Parents involvement program by Sandai Secondary School in Baringo County.
• Psycho-social support program by Kenya Institute of Special Education in Nairobi County and,
• Academic excellence mentorship program by Kiamutugu Boys Secondary School in Kirinyaga County.

The preliminary research findings indicated that principals and teachers have found the CViL program being appealing and relevant to their contexts thereby leading to a better understanding and appreciation of the Servant Leadership virtues. As a result, teachers are becoming more empathetic and fairer to all students; teachers are doing the assigned responsibilities in the right way and always being truthful in their work; and teachers are gaining confidence from colleagues and students.

Also, the presenters attributed the implementation of character -based promising practices to the improvement of greener and more beautiful learning environment; students becoming more hospitable, responsible and determined; students being respectful to one another thereby leading to reduced indiscipline cases; students being honest and not cheating in exams; schools’ improvement in academics during national exams and openness among the students in sharing about their issues.