Communication! Talking, writing and non-verbal gestures are probably what comes to your mind when you hear this term. To Hatua, it is not just a skill, it is one of the core competencies that we strive to equip our students with in preparation for the workforce.
The Junior Secondary mentoring bootcamp themed; ‘There is value in your voice’ was aimed at affirming the junior secondary that their voices matter to people around them. Their voices are also the key tools in articulating their needs, concerns, and opinions, and therefore, their voices need to be heard.
I was so happy when Irene was selected for the Hatua scholarship. It is a big relief for me. I am glad that she no longer has to be sent home every now and then because of school fees and now that you are conducting life skills training for them, I am confident she will do well in school just like I always tell her to.” Mama Mjeni, one of the Junior secondary parents says.
Caleb Kipkoech, a junior secondary student at Kwa Shee Junior secondary school and a Hatua beneficiary was also one of the 48 students who turned up for the communication bootcamp. He aspires to become a pilot in the future.
“Today’s experience was exciting, I got to learn a lot at the bootcamp and had fun too!” Caleb says smiling. “I also got to hear about Noah whose story I can relate to. I would like to be like Noah because he worked hard in school and was successful as a counsellor helping other young people by training them.” Caleb adds.
“Today has reminded me to have hope in life. I also learnt to be confident,” he says looking at his grasped hands. “Just like Noah, I will work hard to attain my goal of being a pilot.”
“I made three new friends today; Antelope, Snake, and Scorpion: the names they were given when we played the name switch game at the start of the camp. So far, I love being a Hatua student! ” Caleb remarks while smiling back at his friends in the pool where he was swimming with the other students.
“Interacting with the students and seeing their excitement to be part of the Hatua family was a great highlight for me. Guiding them to understand the value of their voice was an amazing experience. The theme was timely and well thought out. I could observe that the students had a lot of fun interacting.” Mercy, one of the facilitators of the camp says.
The goal of the bootcamp was to give the students an understanding that they have multiple opportunities to express themselves and elements of self-awareness to enable them to use their voice to articulate their views, opinions, challenges, and areas they need support in.
Read More
