An educational centre in Nakuru, Kenya, called Children in Freedom School, has revolutionised the traditional school model inherited from European colonialism. Founded in 2018 by Dr Utheri Kanayo and her husband, it uses the official Kenyan curriculum but with an African-centred approach.
Students learn history, philosophy and indigenous knowledge. They are allowed to speak in their mother tongues - such as Kikuyu or Luo - and even take exams in them. They also wear traditional dress: ankara, kente or dashikis instead of Western uniforms.
Lessons incorporate African references, for example, the Ishango bone in mathematics. They also encourage values such as 'ubuntu', promoting collective responsibility among pupils. The impact has been remarkable: in 2023 the school was among the ten finalists for the global T4 Education award for "overcoming adversity". In addition, many report improvements in academic performance and increased self-esteem.
The centre plans to expand with a pan-African boarding secondary school. The two founders hope that their model can inspire schools in Nigeria, Ghana or Rwanda, and awaken a new generation of students proud of their heritage.
Source: nairobileo.co.ke; globaledleadership.org