Esther Mugambi

1. Education Program Design and Implementation (Kenya CBC Program)

Guided on program design, provided direct technical support, and built technical capacity to implement, measure, and continuously improve education programs in Kenya through the CBC Program.

• Facilitated the transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by actively participating in curriculum changes and conducting technical training for teachers.
• By 2020, achieved a full transition to CBC, showcasing a successful overhaul of the education system in Kenya.

2. Mental Health Support and Community Engagement (Kangeta, Meru)

Provided counselling to help children cope with mental health challenges amid conflict, domestic violence, neglect, poverty, and hunger.

• Reduced school dropout rates by almost 30% in the Kangeta, Meru region, fostering conversations within the community on how to support students facing adversity.
• Initiated discussions on mental health awareness, resulting in improved overall student well-being and academic performance.
• Contributed to a significant decline in school dropout rates, prompting community-driven initiatives to address mental health concerns and enhance student outcomes.

3. Inclusive HIV/AIDS Education and Reduced Stigmatization

Developed theories of change to modify the approach to HIV/AIDS classes, fostering inclusivity and reducing stigmatization.

• Overhauled the handling of HIV/AIDS classes, shifting from a threatening approach to one emphasizing the manageability of the condition.
• Enhanced inclusivity among students and significantly reduced stigmatization, creating a safer and more supportive learning environment.

4. Advisory Role in Combating Discrimination Against Girls' Education

Served as an advisor in the region, combating discrimination against girls' education and emphasizing the importance of early-stage education.

• Led initiatives that resulted in increased enrollment, participation, and parental involvement in children's education.
• Contributed to a tangible shift in community attitudes, fostering an environment that supports girls' education and values the significance of education in children's early stages.

1. Academic Coordination and Exceptional Teaching (Lecturer Role)

Served as the primary subject lecturer, coordinating undergraduate and diploma programs for over two hundred students.

• Coordinated undergraduate and diploma programs, overseeing the academic progress of a diverse student body.
• Employed exceptional communication techniques to enhance engagement during lectures, ensuring active participation and knowledge retention.
• Designed comprehensive exams, assessments, and course content, including lecture materials and writing assignments.
• Utilized varied teaching strategies to cater to the educational needs of both young adults and mature students.

2. Curriculum Development and Contextualization

Facilitated the review and sharing of program-specific tools, resources, and curricula to contextualize and adapt global and country-specific materials for students, particularly in guidance and counselling, education, criminology, and psychology.

• Reviewed and shared program-specific tools and resources to enhance the contextualization and adaptation of global and country-specific materials.
• Ensured students in guidance and counselling, education, criminology, and psychology had access to tailored resources for an enriched learning experience.
• Demonstrated a measurable increase in student satisfaction and performance through improved access to relevant and context-specific educational materials.

3. Partnership Activities and Research Initiatives

Supported the planning and implementation of partnership activities between my students and other academic partners, including research initiatives.

• Facilitated collaboration between students and academic partners to enhance research initiatives and broaden learning opportunities.
• Coordinated partnership activities to foster a collaborative academic environment, promoting knowledge exchange and research synergy.
• Increased student involvement in research initiatives by 20%, resulting in enhanced academic and research outcomes.

1. Advisory and Guidance Support for Education in Special Schools

Provided advisory and guidance support to the Baltimore Volunteer Group in Kenya, focusing on the technical aspects of education in special schools.

• Offered specialized guidance in the technical aspects of education in special schools, focusing on handling special needs children and sign language training to the Baltimore members.
• Contributed to the continuity of education services during new acute crises, providing solutions and suggestions to challenges between the Baltimore Group members and special needs children.

2. Curriculum Development for Inclusive Learning Environments

Developed and implemented specialized curricula, ensuring inclusive and supportive learning environments for children with unique needs at Njia Special School for the hearing impaired and mentally handicapped.

• Designed and implemented tailored curricula to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for special needs children.
• Ensured the provision of necessary education to special kids, fostering a conducive learning atmosphere that catered to their unique requirements.

3. Cultural Competence Enhancement and Community Integration

Conducted workshops and training sessions to enhance cultural competence and community integration, bridging the gap between international volunteers and locals in Kenya.

• Conducted workshops and training sessions to enhance cultural competence among the Baltimore international volunteers.
• Collaborated with local communities, addressing challenges associated with working in special school environments
• Successfully bridged the language barrier through fluency in Swahili, facilitating effective communication and interpretation between international volunteers and local communities, and fostering better understanding and collaboration.

• Delivered key academic concepts using engaging teaching methods, improving student understanding.
• Reported on student progress to drive attainment.
• Managed challenging behaviour with affirm and fair style.
• Covered various assigned literary works in line with current curriculum guidelines.