Edward Aligula Blog

The statement made by H.E. Hon. Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition in Kenya, calling for a boycott of Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Radio Africa Media, particularly The Star Newspaper, has significant implications for schools and learning in Kenya. As an educator, here is my view: Firstly, these corporations play a critical role in the education sector in Kenya. Safaricom, for instance, has been instrumental in providing affordable internet connectivity to schools, especially in rural areas. This move has facilitated e-learning and online learning programs, which have become the norm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A boycott of Safaricom could, therefore, disrupt the progress made in the education sector, leading to poor learning outcomes for students. Secondly, KCB is one of the leading providers of education loans in Kenya. The bank has supported many students in paying for their tuition fees and other education-related expenses. A boycott of KCB could lead to a r...

Culture is a significant aspect of society that shapes individuals' identities , beliefs, and values. It is an essential foundation for personal and communal development and plays a significant role in promoting diversity and tolerance. As Christians, it is crucial to preserve our cultural heritage while expressing ourselves in a way that aligns with our faith. The recently concluded Africa International University Culture Week-2023 provided a platform for students to showcase and celebrate their diverse cultures while promoting Christian values. In this article, I focus on how we can express ourselves while preserving our cultural values in a Christian way, as well as provide Scriptural references to support this idea. Cultural identity is an essential component of an individual's personality. It is a unique aspect of our being that sets us apart from others. It is essential to embrace our cultural identity and express ourselves in a way that honors our heritage. The Bible ...

At a Time Such as This: Discovering God's Purpose and Power through the Book of Esther Introduction: In a world of chaos and uncertainty, it can be easy to feel lost and powerless. But as believers, we have a source of strength and guidance that never fails - the Word of God. This was evident last Friday when I had the honor of accompanying a friend to a university campus, where Christian Union members were launching a Bible Study based on the Book of Esther. The theme, "At a Time Such as This," captured the essence of the book's relevance and significance in our current world. Context of the Book of Esther: Set in the Persian Empire, the Book of Esther tells the story of a young Jewish girl who rises to become the queen of Persia. Through her bravery and faith, she saves her people from extermination, inspiring a nation to honor God and His ways. The book provides a historical backdrop of the events that took place in the Persian Empire, showcasing the power of God...

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Prof. George Magoha, a visionary leader who dedicated his life to transforming education in Kenya. His passing is a great loss to the nation, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the monumental changes he brought about in the Kenyan education system. Prof. Magoha's relentless efforts to ensure curriculum reform was implemented in Kenya will always be remembered. He believed that education is the key to unlocking the full potential of a nation and dedicated his career to ensuring that every child in Kenya had access to quality education. He recognized that the education system was in dire need of reform, and he set out to make the necessary changes to ensure that Kenya's children were equipped with the knowledge and skills they needed to succeed in the 21st century. One of his most notable efforts was his strong defense of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He believed that the CBC approach wou...

As a parent, the beginning of a new school term can be a stressful time. We're faced with the challenge of providing fees and other requirements for our children's education. It can be overwhelming to think about how to afford everything, but it's important to remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). One way to alleviate the stress is by setting goals and making a plan to achieve them. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18), so I encourage you to set specific and measurable goals for your children's education, such as getting good grades or graduating from high school. I know it may sound simple, but having a plan in place and having specific goals will help you feel more in control of the situation and give you a sense of purpose. If you're struggling to afford the fees, know that you're not alone. "Cast your burde...

  Understanding Competency-based Education Competency-based education (CBE) is an approach to education that focuses on students demonstrating their knowledge and skills through the completion of specific tasks or assessments, rather than through seat time or traditional course credit. CBE has been gaining attention in recent years as a potential solution to the challenges of providing a flexible, personalized education in the 21st century. One policy document that discusses the potential benefits of CBE is the "Report to Congress: Competency-Based Education Demonstration Program" (U.S. Department of Education, 2015). The report highlights the potential of CBE to increase access to education, particularly for non-traditional students, and to improve the alignment between education and workforce needs. The report also notes that CBE can promote student engagement and motivation by allowing students to progress at their own pace and by providing clear and measurable learnin...