Blog / From School Clubs to Life Skills: Former Club Members Continue the Journey
Former members of RODI Kenya-supported school clubs recently came together for a mentorship and follow-up meeting held at the Eco-Conferencing Centre.
The meeting brought together former club members, their teachers and mentors to reconnect, reflect on their experiences and explore how the skills they gained through the school clubs continue to influence their lives.
The ex-club members were accompanied by their teachers, who also had an opportunity to hear about the progress of their former learners and the ways in which the club experience has shaped their education, livelihoods and personal development.
As part of the meeting, participants received practical training in agriculture and agroecology, value addition, tyre and dye, and soap making. The training provided an opportunity for the young people to strengthen practical skills that can support them in their homes, communities and future livelihoods.
For RODI Kenya, school clubs are not only spaces for learning but also platforms where young people can develop practical competencies.
The experiences shared during the meeting showed that the knowledge gained through the clubs continues to be relevant even after learners leave primary school.
Beatrice Kangethe, a teacher accompanying the former club members, highlighted the progress of the learners as they transitioned into Grade 10.
She noted that most of the former club members transitioned successfully, with four joining C1 schools while the rest joined C2 schools.
Beatrice also observed that the practical skills and competencies promoted through RODI Kenya's programmes complement the direction of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
“What RODI Kenya teaches correlates with what learners are expected to develop through CBE.”
Her observation highlights the value of giving learners opportunities to develop practical skills alongside their academic education.
The meeting also focused on helping young people understand the choices and challenges they may encounter as they grow into adulthood.
Probation officers engaged the ex-club members and shared examples of cases involving teenagers and young people that can eventually lead to involvement with the justice system and imprisonment.
The discussion encouraged the young people to make responsible decisions, understand the consequences of their actions and seek positive opportunities.
The session reinforced the importance of mentorship beyond the classroom. Young people need not only technical and livelihood skills, but also guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of growing up.
Rose – From Teacher to Farmer
Kavotini Community Farmers Strengthen Agroecology ...
Jonah Kipkemei Farmer-Led Research Participant