Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has hosted a delegation from the Students Ownership Learning Foundation, Netherlands, courtesy of the SOL-MMUST-CBC Support Project, for an intensive capacity-building workshop in preparation for the pilot project’s implementation. The two-week training initiative, held from 3rd to 22nd February, 2025, aimed to equip selected game leaders from various schools in the region with the expertise to serve as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs). The skills were to aid in the effective implementation of Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) through the innovative ‘We Own The School’ (WOTS) game, which was developed by SOL foundation. The game encourages players to articulate their school’s culture and envision its desired future. Played with all school community members, it generates data that informs school development strategies. Its primary goal is to initiate conversations on ‘ownership of learning’ and how schools can foster it, recognizing that students and teachers are more motivated and perform well when they experience ownership.
Participants engage in discussions during the meeting.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the delegation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, commended SOL Foundation for its innovative approach to enhancing education across borders by promoting cultural adaptability and forward-thinking in schools. He underscored MMUST’s commitment to fostering educational innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing that such partnerships are key to equipping learners with skills relevant to a dynamic global landscape. “MMUST is well-positioned to support initiatives that enhance curriculum development, research, and policy formulation in education. I assure of our University’s full support in facilitating the project’s success through resource provision and expertise,” said Prof. Shibairo, expressing optimism that its outcomes would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of CBC and expand opportunities for future collaborations.
The President of SOL Foundation, Henk Van Woudenberg, emphasized that the workshop aimed to foster dialogue among school stakeholders while equipping them with data-driven decision-making skills. Speaking about the WOTS game, he explained that it enables schools to assess their existing culture, envision their desired future, and develop strategic plans for meaningful transformation. Mr. Woudenberg further highlighted that the game had been redesigned to align with the Kenyan educational context, ensuring its relevance to local schools. “CBC is a great concept, but schools are still facing challenges in implementing it effectively. To address this, tools like the WOTS game can help schools navigate these challenges by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, encouraging data-driven decision-making, and providing a structured approach to envisioning and implementing educational improvements tailored to their unique contexts,” he noted, commending Kenya for its leadership in educational transformation.
Dr. Rose Opiyo, one of the researchers in the project, stressed the importance of training game leaders to strengthen CBC implementation. She highlighted that students’ ownership of learning is directly linked to CBC principles, advocating for learner-centered pedagogy and a conducive educational environment.
“The Competency-Based Curriculum is designed to place learners at the center of their education by fostering self-directed learning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. When students take ownership of their learning, they become more engaged, motivated, and responsible for their academic progress. Through practical and experiential learning, as well as tools like the ‘We Own The School’ game, CBC will certainly empower students to shape their school culture and actively participate in their educational journey,” said, Dr. Opiyo.
Reiterating, Mr. Edvard Houtkoop, a Board Member of the Foundation, noted the principle that learning is a continuous process, underscoring the commitment to refining and improving educational strategies over time.
It is worth noting that the workshop focused on data-driven implementation, ownership theory, and game leadership facilitation, aiming to build knowledge and competence in the program. The participants engaged in in-depth training sessions that included hands-on exercises, role-playing, reflections, and ideas exchanges. They were trained in various data collection methods relevant to the WOTS game, practiced interpreting game data using Power BI, and translated insights into actionable strategies to enhance learning in schools.
Additionally, the participants also explored the concept of ownership in education and its role in fostering learner-centered pedagogical approaches. Discussions highlighted the link between educational ownership and students actively engaging in their learning. They received comprehensive training on organizing and facilitating WOTS game sessions, including step-by-step guidance on planning, execution, and assessment. Role-playing exercises prepared them for real school scenarios, equipping them to guide students and teachers effectively in game-based learning.
Upon completing the training, participants were certified as SOL game trainers. MMUST’s growing collaborations with developed nations in education are commendable. As an institution from a region known for producing exceptional teachers, MMUST is well-positioned to develop sustainable solutions that address CBC implementation challenges and drive meaningful change in schools nationwide.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
