Sarah Chebet, a mother of two daughters, shared her personal experience with the CBC system, and how it has positively impacted her younger daughter, currently in Grade 8.
When meeting Chebet at the Makini School compound, her excitement to talk about CBC was palpable. The system, introduced in 2017 to replace the 8-4-4 system, has transformed her daughter into a well-rounded individual, going beyond mere academics.
“My younger daughter is very good at problem-solving. She’s always trying to find solutions to household problems, even if it’s something as simple as fixing a radio,” Chebet said.
According to her, the CBC has fostered critical thinking in her daughter, shaping her into a hands-on individual capable of facing real-life challenges. The girl, part of the pioneer CBC cohort, is constantly developing new skills, from stitching garments to excelling in sports and games like swimming and chess.
Chebet pointed out that while her older daughter went through the 8-4-4 system and is academically inclined, the CBC system has expanded her younger child’s learning beyond traditional subjects. The older system was primarily focused on passing exams, while CBC emphasizes a variety of skills including communication, creativity, and social responsibility.
“My daughter has become very confident. She now teaches chess in our estate and doesn’t shy away from approaching people. She’s also very community-conscious, often bringing up issues like littering and trying to find ways to solve such problems,” Chebet explained.
One of the key aspects of CBC, according to Chebet, is the integration of digital literacy. Previously, she would help her daughter with research assignments, but now, at Grade 8, her daughter completes her work independently using a computer.
Chebet also highlighted how CBC encourages learners to take part in community activities, such as cleaning up the environment, which instills a sense of responsibility from a young age. She believes that this shift is fostering a generation of responsible citizens who see themselves as active participants in society’s development.
Makini Junior School’s Deputy Principal, Maurice Aketch, echoed Chebet’s sentiments, praising the CBC system for widening learners' career aspirations beyond traditional fields like medicine and engineering. He noted that CBC is shaping students into critical thinkers who want to use their competencies to address societal challenges.
“Learners today are aligning with societal needs because CBC helps them identify and solve real-world problems. They are more confident, and that’s the best thing about this system,” Aketch said.
However, Chebet noted a few challenges, particularly with the evolving nature of CBC materials. She explained that some textbooks purchased at the start of the term quickly become obsolete as the curriculum changes. She suggested that changes in the learning content should be communicated well in advance to allow parents and teachers time to adjust.
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