On March 15 2020, the Kenyan government announced a national school lockdown in response to the rising cases of Covid-19 in the country and this caused some disruption to the Kenyan Academic Calendar. The students were at this time approaching the end of the first time and looking forward to the April holiday.

Six  months later  Grade 4, Class 8 and Form 4 classes re-opened while other classes awaited their start dates. The disruption to on-campus learning resulted in a change in the Kenyan academic calendar. Schools, students and parents were now going to face a new norm with new term dates.

The ministry of Education announced the new term dates late last year (2020) and this was in an effort to cover the remaining 2 terms from 2020 with the aim of stabilising the school calendar by December 2022. The changes to the calendar may be confusing and this post is written with the aim to help understand what these changes look like practically.

 

Concluding the 2020 Academic Calendar

Term 2 began on January 4th, 2021 (which in the past would have been Term 1 for the new academic year) and ended on March 19th, 2021.  Term 3 for the 2020 Academic Calendar will commence on May 10th and will close on July 25th. The 2020 calendar will close out on July 25th

 

Starting the 2021 Academic Calendar

The first  term of the 2021 calendar will commence on the  26th of July 2021 to 1st October,2021 after which the students will break for a 1 week holiday that will transition them to Term 2 which will start on 11th October,2021 to 23rd December,2021 this will be followed by a 10 day holiday and reopen for Term 3 as from 3rd January 2022, to 4th March.

 

Working to restabalise the calendar

Holidays to mark the end of 2021 Calendar will begin March 5th 2022 and end April 24th, 2022.

The KCPE period will begin March 7th 2022 and end March 10th, 2022. Then finally, the KCSE period will begin March 11th  until April 1st, 2022.

We look forward to welcoming students for the new 2021 Academic Year in July. Nova Pioneer is currently still enrolling for grades in both our Primary and Secondary Schools. To apply for Term 1,  click on (link) To begin the enrollment process for the 2021 Academic year beginning in July, please submit your application here (link)

We continue to follow the Government’s directive on COVID 19, to ensure our students and teammates safety while they are at school. (Link COVID preparedness blog)

 

 

The year 2020 will definitely be a year for books in the education sector across the world. From navigating having to switch to virtual classrooms in record time to grappling with the nuances of teaching within the new dynamics of a rapidly changing world. Schools have had to be on the receiving end of making crucial decisions on what works best for their learners during this time as we await news of reopening of schools. 

With the wake of the official announcement from the Cabinet Secretary of Education that Grade Four, Class Eight and Form Four candidates will be expected to report back to school on 12th October, many educators and families would be ruminating on how to best approach the evolving situations. There’s a myriad of factors to be considered during this period and it is even more crucial that different individual players come together and have open conversations on how to best tackle reopening of schools.

From the micro-level factors involving conversations and practices parents and guardians are having with their children on what their main concerns are, to the macro-level factors that involve conversations institutions should be having with their families about expected changes and how to best prepare for the same. 

It is resoundingly clear that we all need to lean into each other to meet the current moment and best prepare our students and teachers to emerge even stronger amidst the new normal. In our open house webinar session on 7th October, this topic was discussed at length with Gavin Esterhuizen – Executive Head, Nova Pioneer Ormonde Primary, Dr Benson Kairu, School Leader, Nova Pioneer Boys Sec. School, Tatu City, Grace Mukunzi, Dean of Residential Life, Nova Pioneer Girls Secondary School, Tatu City and Agnes Ng’ang’a parent to Pear and Keren (F4, Nova Pioneer Girls Sec. School, Tatu City

You can access the recording of the engaging session by clicking on the link above.

 

If you have sat for a national examination, then you know how this comes with its fair share of societal pressure. Now, imagine what this must feel like for the current Class Eight candidates across Kenya who have to live through the Covid-19 pandemic as they prepare to take their Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination (K.C.P.E). 

There is no doubt that these are unprecedented times for this year’s Class Eight candidates as everyone grapples with the question of whether they are adequately prepared to tackle a national exam. 

At Nova Pioneer, we believe in preparing student capabilities that includes developing high levels of academic mastery to take on the world with confidence and to create new possibilities for themselves and others. As an organization that’s deeply invested in playing our part in ensuring that each child reaches their full potential, Nova Pioneer has put together revision packages to complement the resources already available to Class Eight candidates across the country through their respective schools. 

Our Academic and Learning Design teams have collaborated with external experts to help prepare a comprehensive study schedule and support materials that will enable parents, their children and educators to creatively find solutions to ensure that adequate exam preparation is happening remotely.

Following the school closures, Nova Pioneer families received robust online Learning Packs weekly that were both engaging and easily accessible to the majority of our students. We are excited to share with you some of our materials to support learning in your home. Our hope is that all children can continue their learning journey during this time.

 

What Can You Expect?

 

Short and Interactive Videos across Each subject

These videos will help the candidates build a clear understanding of the most challenging areas across Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Science and Social Studies and Religious Education.

 

Short Quizzes With Detailed Marking Schemes

The short quizzes across the six subjects will mostly tackle the most challenging areas for learners and will be accompanied with marking schemes to aid the revision process.

 

Study/Revision Timetable and Study Tips

As part of the package, you will also be able to access a customizable timetable with base-level foundational tips on how to structure private study time and the optimum times to adhere to. Students and parents will also be able to access tips on how to build a conducive learning environment that will enable them to thrive during their private studies.

To learn more about our K.C.P.E study packs, feel free to email us at admissions.ke@novapioneer.com.

To sign-up for the K.C.P.E study packs, click here to complete the interest form and a member of the admissions team will reach out to you to clarify any questions you may have and with the next steps.

 

It’s hard to get to terms with the fact that we are way past the half-year mark in 2020. There are literally four full months left for us to find our way into 2021. Whether or not most of us persevered through our new goals for the year is a whole other conversation that we can tackle later. There lies a deeper, much more comprehensive question about our relationship with perseverance, fortitude and ability to remain consistent in holding ourselves accountable. In this session of Nova Pioneer connect we speak with our educators and parents on how they are building grit during trying times.  

On our previous episode of Nova Pioneer Connect, we had a heartfelt conversation with our Resident School Counsellors, Sophie (NP, ELdoret Kenya) and Christian (NP, Ormonde SA) about grit from a mental health perspective and how we can build healthy habits around allowing ourselves to flex and grow our grit muscles. 

Ethan (NP, Tatu Boys, F3) and Sinovuyo (NP, Ormonde, Grade 10) touched on their personal experiences flexing their grit muscles the past few months. We were also blessed to have a parent, Mr. Titi (NP, Ormonde) gave us a much needed parent’s perspective on supporting a child and useful tools parents can use to affirm their children and themselves to emerging stronger by building grit during trying times. 

Click on the link below to watch a recording of the session.

 

The COVID-19 is a unique pandemic that led to the closure of schools. As educators, we had a need to stay connected to the learners as well as develop a reading culture focused on the three main languages taught at school i.e English, Kiswahili & French. This gave rise to the Raising Readers program- an evening reading program that takes place every week in an effort to build and promote a reading culture in our learners.

The reading program focuses on nurturing a learner’s listening and comprehension skills. 

We facilitate student learning and imagination online by sharing colourful pictures, engaging stories by our best readers. There is an emphasis on drawing language patterns and simplifying complex concepts for students.

 

During these sessions, our learners are taken through a guided reading session that tests both their listening and comprehension skills. Once the reading is done, the learners go through a series of questions to gauge their understanding.

Each learner is then given an opportunity to answer questions and the rest of the class would appreciate their classmate through some snaps. This is also a great way to boost the learner’s confidence in the classroom.

It’s a joy to see students smiling curiously through the stories and participating fully. We look forward to hosting more of these events where we can promote a reading culture in our young ones from an early age.

This lockdown period was unexpected, unprecedented and for many, unfortunate. But through this period our parents, each in their own way have allowed for us to learn far and beyond that which we learn on our daily zoom calls. Below are some invaluable lessons my friends and I have learnt from our parents during this period.

 

Valuable lessons 

 

Despite the situation at hand, never use anything as an excuse to do nothing. Use this opportunity to venture into new things and work hard because opportunity knocks once. – Njoki 

I have learnt that my dad could do household chores and that my mum is a really good cook. But most of all, I have learnt that they both don’t enjoy being in the house for long periods of time.- Fiona 

They have taught me that each morning when you feel like lying in bed all day remember what you are trying to achieve at the end of the day. Give yourself a break from time to time. Give your mind a break. Connect with the people around you, your family and friends. And most importantly, take care of yourself: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. – Ann

Optimism! On some of my lowest days they taught me to look for the light. Perseverance! On the days when I wanted to give up they taught me to keep pushing even when the results don’t come immediately. I’ve learnt that somehow things will work out and if I stop pushing, then I’ll never get to see the possibilities that lie in store for me.- Theru

To keep going, no matter the circumstance. I’ve watched both my parents, especially my mum, make it work, albeit tough circumstances. I watch them try, as much as possible, to ensure that both me and my sister have all our needs attended to, which I have seen to motivate them. And this has made me incredibly proud of them. – Chelsy 

It’s not worth it to feel good today at the expense of tomorrow, neither is it worth it to cry forever and keep holding on to the hope of a smile in the future. That I should think about my future and not lose focus on my passion. To live in the moment but to think of tomorrow as well. – Jasmine 

The importance of adaptability and balance in one’s life – how adapting to different situations has an effect on your work and your life. Balancing work and family which is essential. I appreciate greatly the untimely opportunity to spend time with my family and learn new things from my family. – Paula 

During this time my mum has been tackling household work, taking care of her children while still working from home, which has shown me the importance of hard work. I acknowledge that many of the things my parents provide for me, they worked hard for, and I am beyond grateful for their effort. Watching my mum gives me the strength I need to work hard so I can provide for my future family and later take care of my parents the way they cared for me. – Esther 

I’ve learned that as much as children are a reflection of our parents, we are in many ways different and as much as we also share certain traits we have evolved into completely different human beings that are products of our environment and our nature. So as much as they are our parents, we will argue and differ which is completely in order. – Shirleen

I have learned how to choose my battles with them. Petty issues that we would normally fight over like who does chores and when, have been deemed irrelevant. As seeing how hard they work from home to provide the basic necessities and luxuries has made me appreciate what they do and want to take up more responsibilities to ease the weight off their shoulders. We have bonded through games and pushed each other to achieve our goals. With motivation being lower than usual during this time and the world being full of uncertainties, my parents have kept me in check as their motivation inspires me. – Mutanu 

Quarantine has been a time to reflect and learn. To learn more about my parents and to learn more about myself. I learnt that our family wouldn’t make the greatest choir but I also learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. I learnt a great deal of compassion as they gave knowing that the well could run dry. My mother said “You give not because you have excess, but because someone else needs your help.” – Imani

I have learned that my parents, my parents are not superheroes. My parents worry, they struggle, they have flaws and they feel. My parents are human. – Shakira 

I have learned the importance of selfishness in selflessness. I have learned that to give you must also draw from the well in which you pour. I have learned that in working towards my dreams and ambitions I must care as well for myself. My mum says I am ‘ intense’ but in a good way, that I am devoted and selfless but often I forget to be selfish and in that moment I lose sight of what I want and get caught up in the when’s and the how’s. So the greatest lesson my parents have taught me during this lock down period is to take care of myself amidst taking care of others. – Wairimu 

13 people, 13 families and a lifetime of lessons. We understand now more than ever that parenting does not come with a manual and each of them strives to do their best with no set guidelines and we will forever be grateful for the guidance they provide to us, even as they drive blind. 

COVID-19 pandemic brought the education sector and many other annual programs across the world to a stand still. With time, we have had to learn to adapt to the changes and embrace technology to achieve our daily work and educational expectations.

Throughout this period, our students have demonstrated to be true Leaders and Innovators by embracing virtual learning, engaging in virtual competitions and participating in annual programs.

In this respect, we wish to celebrate one of our Form 3 students, Serena Rolloh, who has been participating in Yale Young Global Scholars Program, 2020, YYGS Connect. Last year we had three of our students participate in the program.

This year’s program was held virtually, running from July 5 – July 17, 2020. Serena is one of 1,235 high school juniors from 131 countries and 47 US states and territories able to join the first ever session of YYGS Connect. During the two weeks program, Serena engaged in an intensive and interactive sessions that covered the following areas:

• Applied Science & Engineering/Biological & Biomedical Science (ASE/BBS)
• Literature, Philosophy & Culture (LPC)
• Politics, Law & Economics (PLE)
• Solving Global Challenges (SGC)

Despite the huge time difference, Serena braced the challenge and had to adapt to attending the session in the night and having to rest during the day. She took the challenge with a growth mindset focused on the value of experience to push through the program. Serena was delighted to have participated in this year program and shared with us her reflections:

 

The YYGS Virtual Connect Experience

 

 “Being a part of the program this year has been an eye opening experience for me. Engaging with peers in a culturally diverse environment has allowed me to witness realities that are different from mine. This experience has really pushed me to question my perspectives and has given me the hunger to discover and learn from others. The exposure to a new environment has driven me to adapt new values and become more self-aware. I think all in all this experience enabled me to evolve as a member of the global community.” 

 

Key Takeaway from YYGS Connect, 2020 

 

“Attending the session has helped me think critically about issues that affect not only those in my community but all around the world. I have been able to empathize with others and really understand that everyone goes through struggles.

The experience has greatly shaped the way I look at political, social and economic influences in our daily lives, and how they interconnect.

Constant self-reflection has helped me find a way to respond appropriately in times of unavoidable challenges such as this pandemic; to be flexible and open to evolution.”

We are proud of the efforts our students are putting to propel themselves to international standards by taking opportunities to apply for such great programs. Yale Young Global Scholars Program is an annual program aimed at providing opportunities to students in high school to make global connections and explore their interest in their global issues.

We encourage our students to apply to such programs to ensure that they enhance their progress towards becoming locally rooted global citizens, who will shape the African Century.

It is exactly four months to the day since the first case of COVID-19 was announced in Kenya. Within 48 hours, the Government had announced the closure of all schools – post haste. Many employers also required staff to work remotely, so there we were, all suddenly thrown into the deep end of a new normal. It was initially unsettling, but we quickly fell into a routine with the help of a brilliantly simple schedule from a friend on Facebook.

Since March 13, the last time David (10 years) and Jonathan (7 years) were in school, they have grown in leaps and bounds into big little men whom I often hardly recognize. They mastered the new schedule quickly, which helped them to complete all the exercises in the virtual learning packs prepared by the school by mid-April. 

Since then, they’ve maximized the prolonged period at home to learn new skills – most notably in the kitchen, which is very apt given that they’re trying to eat me out of house and home!😄 I am so impressed with how they are making themselves useful with chores and anything that needs doing in the house. It seems their favourite words nowadays are, “Mum, do you need help with anything?” And, “Esther (our exceedingly gifted housekeeper), what can I help you do?”

 

Identifying Their Unique Strengths & Gifts

 

I’m finding that taking a few minutes whenever possible to teach them something new or do something together, however seemingly mundane, is helping us to know each other even better and giving the boys confidence in their unique strengths and gifts. 

Speaking of gifts, is there anything sweeter than enjoying grilled sweet and sour chicken wings or roast rosemary potatoes made from scratch made by your fast-growing little ones? I could hardly believe how confidently they peeled, washed, halved, parboiled, and seasoned the potatoes after just one trial run with Esther! 

They’ve also learnt how to cook chapatis – all the way from making the dough to rolling and frying. And how to make mandazis using a recipe from their cookery club at school. Thursday was one of their favourite days in school because they had cookery club. I don’t know how to cook chapati or mandazi, but hopefully they’ll teach me soon! They also cook some really good cinnamon French toast. As expertly taught by yours truly 😄.

Meanwhile, the mandazis come in all shapes and sizes 😄. Mine are usually heart-shaped ❤. They serve them with spicy tea for me to enjoy while I’m in an online meeting. And my share of the mandazis is labelled and stowed away safely in the fridge, away from ever-peckish boys! 😂

Between them and Esther, they’ve also taught themselves how to make really tasty bhajias – something we’ve never cooked at home before. Now to learn how to make lasagna. I think that just might win me Mum of the Year in their world!😂. For desserts, they’ve taken making ice lollies to a whole new level. David’s innovation – freezing a lolly made with Ribena and then piercing it in the middle to infuse orange juice to make a two-in-one lolly! Simply brilliant!

 

Taking Initiative..

 

Household chores are quickly becoming a breeze for the boys. They’re in the habit of making their beds, airing their rooms and tidying up their shelves when they notice they’re getting disorganised. What impresses me most is that they take the initiative themselves, especially on weekends, and then report with pride on their accomplishments.

Like when David manages to change the cover on his duvet, a tiresome task even for adults, or Jonathan volunteers to make all the beds on a Sunday! Never mind that he has turned his car bed into a notice board 😄. It’s so humbling to wake up to neatly made children’s beds on a weekend with an offer at the ready, “Mum can we make your bed for you?”

 

Boys will be boys 

 

Boys will be boys, so many times I find them on the roof of the car, relaxing in shorts and vests and with pillows for maximum comfort, reading, completing activity books, or just chatting (gratefully, they’re best of friends). Then the looks on their faces when I get them to wipe down the car of their grimy prints once they’re done – priceless 🤣! The important lesson in this “class” is that when you spend half the week hanging out on the roof of mummy’s car, you spend Saturday morning wiping your dusty little foot and finger prints off said car 😂.

 

Getting Creative

 

Their crafts creativity is also really growing. On Mother’s Day, they not only surprised me with a breakfast tray in bed, but with such thoughtful handmade gifts. David, with a mini-robot made from a cardboard box, toilet rolls, a party mask and ribbon, and Jonathan with a paper megaphone painted a sunny yellow that I can use to yell their names if I need anything. I was under strict instructions not to lift a finger that day. Their gifts have pride of place on my bedroom wall .

Thanks to Esther, they’ve also learnt how to make simple stitches and sew buttons. They practice on recyclable woven bags. 

Then there’s the week they were feeling particularly patriotic and decided to surprise me with a mini-flag of Kenya in our backyard made from old broom sticks and a bandanna. I was blindfolded for my introduction to the new invention 😂. It was such a refreshing and heartwarming sight, the lovingly made flag blowing obediently in the wind. Esther helped them rig it up in a way that they can pull it up and down, just like a real flag.

Don’t ask me how but there’s some cool tech there! I had “caught” them from my bedroom window, hard at work digging and “building” the flag, but I had no idea what they were making and they told me not to ask. The team work involved though was at expert level. 

 

Taking Charge

 

One of the greatest reliefs is how they’ve learnt to take full charge of feeding, bathing and walking their furry “sister” and best friend – Ms. Fluffy Whiskers. Yes, she has a pony tail 😂. This was after an afternoon of serious grooming although we got experts for that. Right now, the boys’ elaborate plans for a “camping” movie night for her birthday are in high gear. She turns one next Saturday😄. Their excitement is palpable. They’ve even got the popcorn seeds lined up, ready to pop! 

 

Boosting their love for reading

 

Let me take credit for stocking up the kids’ bookshelves to keep their fiction reading up and introducing them to audio books. The looks on their faces when they received a new shipment of books – after they had read literally all their story books – was so rewarding.

Discovering audio books (and the use of headphones ) has also been a treasure. They’ve dived into this exciting new virtual space with gusto – David loves sci-fi and devoured Interview with the Robot by Lee Bacon and Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson in a couple of days. Jonathan seems to enjoy the classics. He persevered with all 18 chapters of Anne of Green Gables – 9 hours and 22 minutes of audio book – for about a month, and at his insistence! He is now reading the audio version of Alice in Wonderland. I know – audio books may not be the obvious choice for young readers, but I am banking on this experience boosting their comprehension, storytelling, and hopefully vocabulary skills as they complement with hard copy books for spelling. 

 

Teachable moments

 

Some of my favourite mummy-teaching-boys moments have been unexpected. Like making up and playing a game we decided to call “find the country on the globe” on a random Sunday morning when I hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet. It was so funny showing David how to climb into the house through a window. He then taught Jonathan. These are very important skills that must be passed down between generations!😄

It was so fulfilling to teach Jonathan how to put a nail in a wall and hang up a picture. He had found a canvas painting of an octopus that he had made last Christmas and a sisal artwork that needed to be put up or perish when he was tidying up his reading space. He was so proud of himself when he put them up, and rightly so!👏🏻

 

Family time

 

We’ve caught some really good movies on the random weekday family movie afternoons I like to organise. Some favourites have been A Dog’s Purpose, timeless flicks like Free Willy, and animations inspired by real life events like the 2018 animation – Sgt Stubby: an American Hero, which tells the story of a World War I soldier’s dog. I’ve also introduced “sleepover nights” where we carry the boys’ mattresses and beddings into my room for the night and have a slumber “party”. They love it! 🤗

 

 

I’ve noticed that as we get more accustomed to staying indoors, it’s sometimes a struggle for the boys to get out and play as they sometimes prefer to continue reading indoors or even helping with chores. But they eventually go outside with a little encouragement (read thinly veiled threats😄).

They’re good cyclists and during this time, they’ve increased their stamina so they can do longer distances without struggling. Best part of this – David taught me how to ride a bike! 🙌🏻 You know one of those things you’ve always assumed you knew how to do? Until you tried to and realised you’ve never actually done it? Cycling was one of those things for me!

David was so inspirational about teaching me too, saying, “Mum, you can do it”, when I was unsteadily approaching a bump. No picture for the learner bike rides yet unfortunately. Chief Documentarist aka Mum was busy learning how to not fall off the bike!

The boys have taken advantage of this time to perfect their roller skating. David took the first plunge and helped Jonathan catch up without too many bumps and bruises too! Thankfully, all teeth are accounted for! 😄 Jonathan has also perfected doing press ups – he’s turning out to be a real fitness buff and is now dutifully waiting for his biceps and abs to show up after all his efforts! I have no doubt they will – muscles are beginning to ripple 😄!

Today, I finally summoned the words and courage to tell the boys that school is out for another nearly six months. And that they will still be in their current grades when schools reopen in January 2021. As expected, they were disappointed. But they understand why it’s necessary.

So, we continue to #stayhome #staysafe and #sanitise. Meanwhile, we’re determined to continue making the most of this unusual time, a rare opportunity. So help us God. 🙏🏻

 

Written by: Wakiuru Maina, (current parent at our Nova Pioneer Primary, Tatu City Campus)

 

It’s becoming increasingly important to talk about mental health challenges especially now that everyone, no matter what their situation, is struggling during this Covid-19 outbreak. It is an exceptionally hard time for us all. 

There are particular issues that young people are facing. There is a huge amount of loss for them. This is partly because the normal structure of their daily routines is no longer what it was and this may make them feel cheated and angry. It is difficult to know what to do with such feelings. For a small number of teens, these feelings may exhibit worrying behaviour changes like self-isolation, self-harm, vandalism, excessive negativity, pessimism, demotivation and laziness.

 

So what can a parent do when they notice their child is going through a mental health breakdown?

 

For starters, acknowledge their distress, find a way of letting your teenager know that you are aware of their distress and that you want to help. The aim is to ensure that they do not shut down and stay open to talk to you. Try to use terms such as: “I feel for you and am here for you”. I can see this is very hard for you” or “I want to help if you feel able to let me”. 

Reassurance is key. Let your teen know that whatever they say, you will not be shocked, angry or frightened by their thoughts and feelings. One of the fears that young people may struggle with is the idea that their problems will have a terrible effect on you. Find a way of letting your teen know that, however shameful or frightening their thoughts, you are strong enough to cope and will be there for them.

Another important message is to show them that you are there for them; your teen needs to know that you love them and that no matter what happens, you will do your very utmost to help. Teens need to know that you will stick with them, and you will not reject them because of the way they are feeling. If it is possible, think about things you can do together that will show them that you are there for them e.g. you can cook their favourite meal, do a chore with them. 

If possible, avoid pleading, criticising, lecturing or preaching to your teen. Let them know you are not judging them or their behaviour. Your teen might feel overwhelmed so choose your actions sensitively. The only way to open up communication is to find a way into their own agenda and to show that you will be really listening to them.

 

What if my teen is feeling suicidal?

The possibility of suicide is the worst fear of any parent.  It is incredibly hard for any parent to open up this topic. However, there are ways of showing that you won’t be shocked, and of showing that there are ways to get help if this is something the young person is struggling with. You might say something like: 

“I know people who are in distress sometimes think about ending it all. If you are feeling this way, please reach out, there are people you can talk to. I am here for you, if you feel unable to talk to me, there are others who will listen and try to help you”.

This does two things. It acknowledges the distress. It also shows that you’re not scared by the distress the young person is experiencing and you are able to give them the love and support they need to get through this. 

 

Can I ask for help? 

Sure, if you have a contact within the school system who may be able to give advice, definitely reach out for support.  You can also schedule a session with a mental health professional for further support. 

 

Getting the conversation started

Finding a way to encourage your teenager to talk is something you may want to try. Though they may not be able, or not want to talk to you,  if they can do so, that will be a good thing. Try to encourage them to talk at every opportunity. If the first or second attempt does not work, just make it clear that you are always going to be available to listen. Maybe you can keep the conversation general and informal, having chats when preparing dinner or watching a movie can help enormously.

You could express to them. “However hard it is, talking about your thoughts and feelings will help you.”  “I know it’s difficult, but it is worth having a go”. “Putting your thoughts and feelings into words really will help you.”  “You may feel ashamed, or worried about talking.”  “It may be hard for you to talk to me, but perhaps we can find someone else you can talk to.”

There is no right or wrong, you may not know what to say and that is okay too. Keep in mind that you don’t have to say anything. In a difficult situation, just being there, being available to listen may be enough.

 

What if the talking and listening is not working

For some, talking will not be enough. Firstly, it is essential for you to be able to set boundaries in relation to behaviour that is harmful to your teen or to others in the family. If you believe these boundaries are being crossed, try to get some help. If there is an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, please contact a mental health care professional as soon as possible. 

 

Managing your own anxiety

One of the key challenges for parents who are at home with their teen will be to find a way of managing their own anxiety. The more anxious you are as a parent, the harder it will be for the young person to accept support. Young people worry about the effect of their distress on their parents. In most cases, they want to be able to protect their parents, no matter how troubled they are themselves. They also go through a stage when they want to keep things to themselves. This is a normal part of teenage development. Parents will be more able to provide help if they are open about managing their anxiety. It is important to think about getting support yourself if you feel you need this. 

This will be good for you, and will, of course, enable you to provide more help for your teenager.  

 

References:

https://nyulangone.org/news/checking-your-teenagers-mood-during-covid-19-pandemic

https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2020/03/supporting-children%E2%80%99s-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

https://chicagohealthonline.com/how-covid-19-impacts-teens-mental-health/

https://www.familylives.org.uk 

https://www.mghclaycenter.org/hot-topics/7-ways-to-support-kids-and-teens-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

 

Written by Rosa Wambalamba (School Counselor at Nova Pioneer Boys’ High School – Tatu city)

You are a Cabinet Secretary granted two minutes to speak about Covid-19 planning with President Uhuru Kenyatta – what do you say? 

Earlier this month on April 9, the closing day of Term 1, our Kenya Form 1 and 2 students competed in a pitch competition to propose their solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic. This competition was a culmination of their research project on Covid-19 which students completed at home after our campuses closed in March. Throughout the project, students studied the impacts of Covid-19 on global health and economies, learning about the history of pandemics, the science behind viruses and their spread, and the role of the media in helping (or hurting) public awareness and perceptions. This background research then prepared them to propose solutions to the crisis through their presidential pitches.

Click on the link above to watch the competition.

In the first stage of the competition, over 70 students posted their 2-minute video pitches on a learning platform called FlipGrid. Their teachers then selected the finalists from each homeroom, and from the homeroom finalists, school leaders and deans from each school selected the final Cabinet Secretaries from each school. These 17 school finalists were then invited to deliver their pitches live to a panel of judges from our Nova Pioneer executive team on Zoom, with the event live-streamed to YouTube. Judges then gave positive and constructive feedback to finalists on their pitches (at Nova Pioneer, we call these Glows and Grows).

As you can imagine, there were some challenges to live-streaming a digital event like this. Maintaining a consistent internet connection proved to be troublesome for some finalists. Luckily, we had their earlier video submissions on file and were able to play these in place of their live pitches. In all though, the event went smoothly with the judges able to see pitches from all finalists.

Contestants were judged based on the organization of their pitch, their use of supporting evidence in their arguments, their word choice and grammar, and their delivery. The winners in each category were:

• CS of Trade: Ibrahim Ahmed, Tatu Boys
• CS of Labour: Nicole Rono, Eldoret Girls
• CS of Transport: Samuel Birech, Eldoret Boys
• CS of Education: Rachel Munyi, Tatu Girls
• CS of Health: Abigail Achola, Tatu Girls

The overall winning school was Eldoret Boys, followed by Tatu Girls in second place, Tatu Boys in third place, and Eldoret Girls in fourth place.

While there could only be one winner in each category, all of our students delivered compelling, well-researched, factually accurate, and thoughtfully articulated solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating our culture principles of High Expectations and Solutions First. You can watch their pitches on our YouTube page.

Given the success of this event, we are currently exploring ways we can have more collaborative competitions like this across our Nova Pioneer schools, including our primary schools and our schools in South Africa! 

Written by Kelsey Keech ( Global Director, Learning & Instructional Design)