In life, some moments stand out as turning points. Some events redefine our path and open doors we never imagined! Winning a laptop following a household assessment of life skills and values among adolescents, conducted by the Action for Life Skills and Values (ALiVE), was one such moment for me. It was not just a reward; it is a tool that has transformed my academic journey and strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward.
When I submitted my article for the ALiVE blog competition, I did so with passion and dedication. I had poured my experiences, reflections, and lessons learned into that piece, never knowing it would propel me to the top. The moment I was announced as the winner was surreal. It was more than just an achievement. It was a moment of victory. A validation of my hard work and a reminder that perseverance pays off.
The prize was a laptop! A device I had long wished for but could not afford. As a student and teacher in training, having a laptop is not mere luxury, it is a necessity! This was a life-changing moment, one that would redefine my academic experience.
Before winning the laptop, I faced many struggles in my studies. Accessing online resources was a challenge, completing assignments was difficult, and research work was even more time-consuming. I relied on borrowed devices or sometimes cyber cafés, which limited my productivity and sometimes caused delays while plundering my pocket.
The laptop changed all that. Suddenly, I had the world at my fingertips. Research has become easier, assignments are now completed on time, and I can now engage in academic discussions without struggling to find a working device. Online learning platforms have become more accessible, and I can attend virtual classes and training sessions without limitations.
Beyond academics, the laptop has become a tool for personal growth. I can now explore new skills, work on projects, and even connect with like-minded individuals across the globe. It has given me the flexibility to learn at my own pace and the confidence to embrace technology as a key driver of education. I typed this blog on my machine!
Besides its practicality, the laptop stands as a symbol of perseverance and hard work. It reminds me that dedication and effort never go unnoticed. It also encourages me to keep striving for excellence, knowing that every step forward brings new opportunities.
Winning this award was not just about receiving a laptop; it was about believing in myself and the impact of my work. It was a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to something greater. This keeps me going.
I remain deeply grateful to Zizi Afrique Foundation for leading the ALiVE household assessment in Kisumu, in which I participated as an assessor. I am forever thankful that ALiVE engages trainee teachers in assessment of life skills and values. This prepares trainees like me to understand core competencies and learn best how to embed them into the education curriculum, once we are deployed to schools. It is also a living challenge to live the values and life skills rather than just preach them. I am amazed at how ALiVE respects and recognizes the efforts and contributions of young people like me. This initiative has not only empowered me but also reinforced the importance of values and life skills in shaping the future.
The ALiVE award is but a beginning, not an end. It is a door that opened new possibilities, and I intend to walk through it with confidence and purpose. With my laptop in hand, my academic journey continues with renewed strength. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, to learn, to grow, and to use my knowledge to impact others.
By Brian Okoth, Teacher trainee – Seme Teachers Training College
