A Bit of Optimism

What can we learn from a rural school in Kenya? with principal Carol Moraa

Nov 5, 2024

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.

39:58

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Episode guests

Carol Moraa

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

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.

Intro

2min

Transforming Education Through Community Engagement in Rural Kenya

3min

Empowering Futures: Education in Rural Kenya

12min

Wealth Beyond Materialism

17min

Community, Gratitude, and Education in Kenya

5min

Building Connections for Community Upliftment

2min

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.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Carol and her work, check out:

Legacy College

Kisaruni Girls High School