What can we learn from a rural school in Kenya? with principal Carol Moraa
Nov 5, 2024
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Carol Moraa, the inspiring founding principal of Kisaruni Girls High School and Provost for Legacy College in Kenya, shares insights on transforming education for young women in rural Kenya. She emphasizes how motivated students thrive when education is seen as a choice. The conversation explores the unique scheduling system that allows students to tailor their studies around family responsibilities. Moraa also highlights the joy of community living and the importance of gratitude, showcasing how strong local ties uplift families from poverty.
Kisaruni Girls High School fosters intrinsic motivation by allowing students to own their education through flexible scheduling and cultural values.
Despite access to technology, rural Kenyan teens prioritize community storytelling, highlighting strong interpersonal bonds and cultural appreciation over digital distractions.
Deep dives
The Community Bonding Over Storytelling
Despite having access to smartphones and Wi-Fi, teenagers in rural areas often choose to engage in storytelling and community interactions rather than being glued to their screens. This preference showcases a strong sense of community and connection among them, where they gather together during breaks to share stories instead of consuming digital content. Such activities promote interpersonal relationships and create a supportive environment that fosters communication and creativity. This emphasis on oral storytelling reflects cultural values and an appreciation for community engagement, demonstrating that technology does not necessarily dictate social behavior.
Motivation Fueled by Choice and Community Support
Students attending Kisaruni Girls School exhibit remarkable motivation, stemming from their choice to receive education amid challenges. Many of these girls come from families with a history of limited educational opportunities and aspire to uplift their communities by breaking the cycle of poverty. The school's structure allows these learners to set their own schedules, instilling a sense of ownership and pride in their education. This intrinsic motivation contrasts with some Western students, who may take educational opportunities for granted, highlighting the unique context and aspirations that drive Kisaruni students.
Cultural Values and Community Integration
Kisaruni prioritizes the incorporation of cultural values into education, emphasizing responsibility, hard work, and community. This approach is rooted in instilling values that students learn from their families, teaching them the importance of contributing to family and community wellbeing. The school fosters a sense of belonging and interconnectedness, allowing students to draw strength from their cultural heritage. Graduates are encouraged to return to their communities to share knowledge and serve as role models, thereby reinforcing their cultural identity and societal contributions.
Gratitude and Resilience Amidst Economic Challenges
Students at Kisaruni display a powerful sense of gratitude regarding their educational opportunities and life circumstances. Many learners come from humble backgrounds, understanding the challenges faced by their families, which shapes their perspectives and aspirations. This gratitude influences their hard work and dedication to their studies, as they recognize the significance of breaking barriers for future generations. By contrasting the seemingly abundant yet often unappreciative lifestyles of Western students, it becomes clear that a focus on gratitude contributes to the resilient, motivated nature of the students in this community.
Kenya's Maasai Mara is rugged, beautiful, and tough. Values are everything for the people who live in this rural countryside,
On a trip to Kenya, I had the opportunity to visit The Mara. The intelligence and grit of the young people there blew me away! I met incredibly driven young women determined to uplift their families from poverty. Carol Moraa is giving them that opportunity. She's the founding principal of Kisaruni Girls High School and Provost for Legacy College.
I wanted to ask Carol where her kids find the motivation to willingly sign up for 18-hour school days. It turns out when learning is a choice, not an obligation, it's possible to build schools where cultural values and community are at the heart of what people do.