By Sharon Nashipae – Communications & Community Coordinator

In 2022, the Ongoza program was birthed. Ongoza is a collaboration between Dignitas,  IDP Foundation and Premier Credit. It means ‘Lead’ in Kiswahili. The program facilitates ongoing professional development for teachers, instructional leaders and school owners, focusing on classroom culture, learner engagement, and instructional leadership. School owners enrolled in the program gain access to low-interest school improvement loans, tailored to meet the unique needs of these institutions through Premier Credit. Additionally, they receive training on proficiently managing school finances and maintaining accurate records.

The Ongoza program embarked on a transformative journey in the realm of education, where stories of growth and empowerment have since unfolded.

One such narrative emerged through the remarkable evolution of Teacher Kezzia, the Instructional Leader of Eagle Wings Academy, Dagoretti, Nairobi. At the program’s inception, she stood as a dedicated and vibrant educator, yet a journey of discovery awaited her.

In those early days, Teacher Kezzia faced challenges familiar to many educators – the intricate nuances of effective teaching observation, the absence of structured lesson observation and feedback notes, unfamiliarity with Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings, and a limited understanding of setting academic and behavioral goals for learners.

Ongoza isn’t just a program, it is a comprehensive approach to redefining the educational landscape in non-formal schools. By intertwining financial support with school leadership training and enhancing teachers’ proficiency in delivering Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Ongoza aims to catalyze a ripple effect of positive change.

Teacher Kezzia’s transformation unfolded through a meticulously designed process that addressed her challenges head-on. The program ensured she received training and coaching on diverse facets of the Instructional Leader role, ranging from conducting PLC meetings and setting learner academic and behavioral goals to understanding the intricacies of formative assessment and implementing the Child Protection Policy.

Fast forward to November 2023, on her Ongoza graduation day, the metamorphosis of Teacher Kezzia is awe-inspiring. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, she has transcended her role from a dedicated teacher to an Instructional Leader adept at fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable:

1. Mastery of Lesson Observation:

Teacher Kezzia now confidently conducts lesson observations for her fellow teachers, providing them with constructive and insightful feedback. The once-daunting task has become a highlight of her leadership journey, as she plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall teaching quality within her school.

2. Facilitating PLC (Peer-Learning Community) Meetings:

Gone are the days of unfamiliarity with PLC meetings. Teacher Kezzia not only plans these sessions but actively engages with her teaching staff to discuss teaching and learning strategies. These collaborative forums have become spaces for shared insights, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.

3. Strategic Lesson Planning and Data Analysis:

Equipped with a deepened understanding of instructional leadership, Teacher Kezzia now spearheads lesson plan reviews and school data analysis. This strategic approach allows her to identify areas of improvement, ensuring a data-driven decision-making process within the school.

4. Setting Learner Goals:

One of the most significant transformations lies in Teacher Kezzia’s ability to support her fellow educators in setting both academic and behavioral goals for their learners. This holistic approach to goal-setting ensures a more personalized and effective learning experience for each student.

“I like the leader I have become. Knowing how to conduct lesson observations for my teachers and then providing them with feedback was the highlight for me. Creating safe learning spaces has ensured that my teachers and learners find the school a place they would want to stay more and more.”

Teacher Kezzia reflecting on her journey.

The Ongoza program, through its multifaceted interventions, has not only empowered Teacher Kezzia but has also catalyzed a positive ripple effect within her school. It’s a testament to the program’s commitment to nurturing instructional leaders who, in turn, create enriched and supportive learning environments. As Teacher Kezzia continues to evolve, so does the landscape of education, one empowered leader at a time.