The “I can” bug

Kiran Bir Sethi teaches kids to take charge

This TED talk is about getting kids to connect to others and giving them the self-confidence to become great leaders of change.When kids can put themselves in other peoples shoes we see the difference that they can make.

Can this method of learning be applied in Tanzania ?

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Aliya has a degree in International Development and Globalization, and is interested in how education for youth can be customized for specific settings, be it religious, ethnic or cultural. Currently working in Toronto, Aliya does research for a treatment center for mental and physical disabilities. When she isn’t at work or looking at ways to further her cultural experience globally, Aliya enjoys reading and taking photographs. She also helps Vijana FM with research pertaining to our media-education goals, and helps us monitor and assess our growth.

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  1. The funny thing is growing up in countries like TZ, as a kid you are expected to learn through punishment. In some schools in TZ, during the early years if a student is failing he/she gets smacked on the fore-arm by teachers.

    PS: This book explains how house-holds can nurture self-confident kids by letting them take charge and motivating them to always question authority. http://amzn.to/fAxKpP

  2. I know what you mean Joji, whats funny is that this also happens in other parts of the world.

    I grew up in Paris, France and the school system was similar in that it would also punish kids by smacking them with a ruler or even putting them in a closet. Its quite sad, for this reason we moved to Canada and the system was better in that we didnt get physically punished.

    With regards to the book you are mentioning I believe I saw a documentary on something similar. if you allow children to help in the kitchen and allow them to take ownership then they are more likely to gain this self-confidence.

    Perhaps curriculum’s need to be revised and remade based on the context of the child. It should also reflect the many studies that have been done on pedagogies so that we can empower kids to do more with what they learn and not be so stuck on what grades they receive.

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