We need money for end of term exams. As the Kenyan system is very different from the Norwegian one, we thought it would be interesting for sponsors to have an explanation as to how it works:
In Kenya, the
education system is based on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBE),
which focuses on developing a child’s individual talents, strengths, and
academic abilities over time. From a very early age, children begin taking
simple assessments that gradually increase in complexity as they grow. These
are not meant to “fail” or discourage any child but to help teachers and
parents understand each learner’s progress and abilities.
Children start
assessments as soon as they can hold a pencil. In Playgroup (3–4 years),
they color pictures, trace dots to form numbers and letters, and identify
common objects. In Pre-Primary 1 (4–5 years), they begin reading simple sounds, numbers,
and words, and doing basic addition or counting exercises. In Pre-Primary 2 (5–6 years), they progress to reading full sentences
and doing addition and subtraction tasks.
These assessments
happen twice per school term — mid-term and end-term — and
results are recorded both by the school and the parents.
Under the CBE system,
assessment results from early childhood through upper primary school are used
to help determine each child’s learning pathway starting in Grade 7
(around age 12–13). The three main pathways are:
- STEM – Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Arts and Sports
- Social Sciences
This helps guide
students toward their areas of strength as they move into junior and senior
secondary school. However, the system allows flexibility: when learners reach Grade
10 (ages 14–16), they can choose or adjust their pathway based on their
ability and interests. ICT (Information and Computer Technology) is compulsory
for all students at this stage.
The assessments are
not about failure. Each child is considered unique and “abled differently.” The
reports help teachers and parents track progress and identify support needs.
Schools keep copies of all reports, and parents receive one too—these records
are often required if a student transfers to another school.
Assessments are
crucial for teachers to understand how students are performing academically and
to ensure each learner’s record is complete.
Currently, the school needs 2,200 shillings to purchase the mid-term
assessment tests, and 40 assessment books costing about 10,000
shillings in total (250 each). Without these resources, the children would
miss the opportunity to sit for the term’s essential evaluations, which would
also affect how well the school can document progress and plan future learning
support.
Thanks to everyone
who helps make these assessments possible — your contributions truly shape the
children’s educational journey and future opportunities.
