The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development held a workshop in Nairobi for education stakeholders to discuss effective ways of integrating Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) into the Kenyan education system. The stakeholders in attendance were from Kenya's Nairobi, Turkana, Kajiado and Mombasa counties.
Speaking at the workshop, Nancy Gachungwa, Chief Executive Committee Member at the Kiambu County Government said, "Socio-Emotional Learning is crucial as it fosters self-awareness, enhances interpersonal skills, and facilitates seamless integration into the learning environment."
Rosalia Ndambuki, Assistant Director, School Health and Development, Nairobi City County, added, "The Competency-based curriculum (CBC) encourages children to be engaged, empowered, and informed citizens. SEL complements and enriches the Competency-based Curriculum by promoting the development of socio-emotional skills alongside academic competencies.”
Guided by the results of IHD’s study, which sought to identify gaps and facilitators of SEL in both Kenyan and Ugandan education systems, the workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to network and share best practices, with the aim of promoting SEL while identifying barriers to its integration into the education system.
Anil Khamis, Research Faculty at the Institute for Human Development, shared insights on the importance of strengthening SEL promotion initiatives nationwide through strategic discussions and addressing challenges present. This, he noted, would foster continued dialogue among stakeholders, enhance educators' capacity to promote SEL, and disseminate knowledge on SEL best practices.
The stakeholders present, including representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), emphasized the advantages of SEL foreseeing enhancements in both academic performance and student welfare. They stressed the importance of fostering a deeper appreciation for SEL and adopting strategies to promote its advancement.
The conversation also underscored the necessity for ongoing dialogue, capacity enhancement, and allocation of resources to ensure the comprehensive development of students nationwide.
