By Abdulkarim Taraja
The journey to reimagine education not just in Kenya but across the continent took shape as the 5th fellowship of the Metis Education collective graduated on 3rd Dec 2021.
The more than 30 cohort 5 fellows who had been in the training for the last six months finally marked their commencement at the Trademark Hotel which culminated into the ReimaginED showcase later that afternoon.
The Executive Director -Rebecca Crook congratulated all the Cohort 5 fellows for the incredible work they had done and put in the last six months to change the narrative of education in this country and around the world.
“I am excited that we will be showcasing this work both collectively and individually at ReimaginED. That we’ll be able to explore the challenges in the education system and explore what it will look like if all kids can access reimagined Education,” she added.
The fellows had whirlwind thoughts and excitement as they were officially ushered into the prestigious Metis Alumni network.
Here are some of their reactions pre-event:
“I am anxious, nervous but really looking forward to both the graduation and showcase”!! -AnnRita
“Super nervous, excited, looking forward, optimistic.”
-Edna Semiti of ZinduaKaria Africa
“I am excited, motivated to do more and I feel the throbbing heartbeat of my fellow C5, full of joy. Our partners will feel challenged with our collective Big Questions and will be inspired with our solutions. I am upbeat for the event.”
-Alfayo
The team at Metis was burning the midnight oil to ensure as many fellows and possible donors made it to #ReimaginEDKenya and were able to share with the innovators the path to streamlining the education sector by contributing to key education policy development.
Terry Njue, the Deputy Principal at the Maasai Technical Institute and cohort member said;
‘‘ the fellowship provided an opportunity to explore, experiment, connect with the end-users and in design thinking innovations in education.’’
“We have achieved this as a team and we shall sustain this to keep innovation and reimagining African education. For who? For the children, leaner, for our communities, for the future leaders,”
The event brought together key public and private figures who were able to share their words of wisdom and connect with the innovators to reimagine Education in Kenya.
It also marked the end of the Cohort 5 fellowship that was the first one to be done online due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.