In 2023, the Dumisha Amani project at St. Martin CSA embarked on an initiative to revise the Amani Clubs training manuals informed by the need to align the training content with the evolving educational landscape, especially the recently introduced Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and the desire to address feedback from the clubs’ patrons. "There was a lack of pragmatism in aligning the contents of the manuals with the expectations placed on the students. For example, while the manuals advocated for the use of ICT to connect with other club members across the country, this approach was impractical considering the limited technological infrastructure within the schools in these areas."
Another patron cited the complexity of the manuals as a basis for revising the manuals. “the first edition of the manual was written entirely in the English language, posing challenges for students with limited proficiency. In response, the revised manuals are now:
- Clear and easy to navigate:Streamlined content and improved organization enhance understanding.
- Bilingual:Including Kiswahili alongside English ensures inclusivity and caters to diverse learning styles.
- Activity-oriented:Practical exercises and age-appropriate activities enhance engagement and application of concepts.
- Student-centered:The revised materials encourage active participation and empower students to take ownership of their learning.
The revised teachers and learners manuals were handed over to the schools through their respective Amani Club patrons in a colorful launch graced by the Sub-County Human Resources officer, in Rumuruti on 23rd February 2024. The patrons registered their appreciation for the project’s efforts with Marura-Narok’s patron saying “the manuals are clear and easy to navigate. I am also impressed by the fact that the manuals now incorporate the English & Kiswahili languages, as opposed to the previous versions which were only in the English language. This thoughtfulness will go a long way in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that students who do not have the best grasp of English are not left behind.”
The training manuals were received with enthusiasm by the 10 teacher patrons present during the event. “We are happy and proud to see that our recommendations were taken into consideration during the review.” Marura teacher patron remarked “I am particularly impressed to see that the new manuals have incorporated illustrations and are in the English and Kiswahili languages fitting into the curriculum based competency system of education. This will not only enhance the club members’ understanding of the content but also ensure that no members feel excluded due to language barriers.”
The stories shared by Amani Club patrons further highlight the far-reaching positive impacts of these clubs beyond the school walls. From the establishment of "Amani gardens" for conflict resolution to tree-planting initiatives promoting environmental consciousness, the Amani Clubs are sowing seeds of positive change that extend to entire school populations and communities.
“The Amani Club members in the school established an ‘Amani garden’ where they assemble to resolve conflicts detected among the pupils. Apart from the Amani garden’s reconciliatory role, the pupils have planted maize, beans, and potatoes, which go a long way in ensuring that the whole school is fed.” Kandutura primary school Amani Club patron.
“In Olarinyiro secondary school, the Amani Club members mobilized the other students, and they planted over 1000 trees which they take turns in watering. I have also observed that the students have a free spirit regarding who they choose to study and play with. Groupings by ethnicity have reduced considerably, which is a testimony to the positive impact of Amani Clubs.” Amani Club patron.
Amani Clubs exemplify the power of education and community engagement in building a harmonious and peaceful society. The positive feedback from the teacher patrons affirms the impact of these changes, making the manuals more accessible and enhancing the overall experience for both students and educators.