Character Teaching in Kenya

by Lee Havis

   In April, 2023, the Character Teaching (CT) project was recently revived in Kenya after it was first initiated there in 2007. This new beginning was sparked by the inclusion of Everline Oiye as a new member of the CT consultation board in that country.

In Kenya, Everline brings a substantial background of experience, interest and love of children to this project. Besides holding a diploma from Dean’s Teacher College in Nairobi, she has taught children as a volunteer in the Kibera slums of Nairobi for the last 15 years. She states, “I love doing this so much. Despite so many challenges we face here in Kibera slums, these children are gifted and talented in so many ways…. Life is very tough here but we always embrace happy faces wherever we go.”

In her work, Everline takes special interest to share her learning experiences and knowledge with parents as well. She says, “I also have a group of parents who meet every Saturday in the evening. Together we share experiences with children, so I can guide and counsel them.”

On May 8, 2023, I wrote a letter to the president of Kenya Dr. William Samoei Ruto, on behalf of IMS to introduce him to the CT project and ask for the support and approval of his government. In my letter, I explained the project and made reference to Everline Oiye, the local Kenyan CT representative.

In response to this initial correspondence, the president’s office replied by referring the matter to Dr. Belio R. Kipsang, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Basic Education, to review the contents of my letter with the aim of establishing a partnership, if viable.

Thereafter, I wrote directly to Secretary Kipsang, to express our interest to assist and cooperate with his review of the project. Since then, Everline Oiye has had several meetings with the various government officials, with the object to obtain a strong letter of support for the project from the office of Kenyan president. 

For further information about this project and its development in Kenya, contact: Everline Oiye, evalineoiye@gmail.com. Tel. +254-720-362739.