National Goals of Education
Preamble
National Goals of Education are meant to give a broad overview of the values, attributes, knowledge and skills the citizens should have by the time they graduate from the various levels of learning and ultimately transit to the world of work. The goals are carried through the different subjects offered in basic education (Kindergarten to Grade 12/Form IV) and post-secondary education levels; and should be embedded in all the learning activities. In this regard, the National Goals of Education are meant to ensure the Government of Kenya ‘brands’ its citizens through the formal education sector.
We have listed below the National Goals of Education as outlined in the KICD, Junior Secondary, Curriculum Designs.
Source of the content below: Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Junior Secondary Curriculum Designs, Home Science, Grade 7)
Education in Kenya should:
- Foster nationalism and patriotism and promote national unity.Kenya’s people belong to different communities, races and religions, but these differences need not divide them. They must be able to live and interact as Kenyans. It is a paramount duty of education to help young people acquire this sense of nationhood by removing conflicts and promoting positive attitudes of mutual respect which enable them to live together in harmony and foster patriotism in order to make a positive contribution to the life of the nation.
- Promote the social, economic, technological and industrial needs for national development.Education should prepare the youth of the country to play an effective and productive role in the life of the nation.
- Social Needs Education in Kenya must prepare children for changes in attitudes and relationships which are necessary for the smooth progress of a rapidly developing modern economy. There is bound to be a silent social revolution following in the wake of rapid modernization. Education should assist our youth to adapt to this change.
- Economic Needs Education in Kenya should produce citizens with the skills, knowledge, expertise and personal qualities that are required to support a growing economy. Kenya is building up a modern and independent economy which is in need of an adequate and relevant domestic workforce.
- Technological and Industrial Needs Education in Kenya should provide learners with the necessary skills and attitudes for industrial development. Kenya recognizes the rapid industrial and technological changes taking place, especially in the developed world. We can only be part of this development if our education system is deliberately focused on the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will prepare our young people for these changing global trends.
- Promote individual development and self-fulfillment Education should provide opportunities for the fullest development of individual talents and personality. It should help children to develop their potential interests and abilities. A vital aspect of individual development is the building of character.
- Promote sound moral and religious values. Education should provide for the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enhance the acquisition of sound moral values and help children to grow up into self-disciplined, self-reliant and integrated citizens.
- Promote social equality and responsibility. Education should promote social equality and foster a sense of social responsibility within an education system which provides equal educational opportunities for all. It should give all children varied and challenging opportunities for collective activities and corporate social service irrespective of gender, ability or geographical environment.
- Promote respect for and development of Kenya’s rich and varied cultures. Education should instill in the youth of Kenya an understanding of past and present cultures and their valid place in contemporary society. Children should be able to blend the best of traditional values with the changing requirements that must follow rapid development in order to build a stable and modern society.
- Promote international consciousness and foster positive attitudes towards other nations. Kenya is part of the international community. It is part of the complicated and interdependent network of peoples and nations. Education should therefore lead the youth of the country to accept membership of this international community with all the obligations and responsibilities, rights and benefits that this membership entails.
- Promote positive attitudes towards good health and environmental protection. Education should inculcate in young people the value of good health in order for them to avoid indulging in activities that will lead to physical or mental ill health. It should foster positive attitudes towards environmental development and conservation. It should lead the youth of Kenya to appreciate the need for a healthy environment.