DALC EDUCATION SCORES ANEW AS THE INSTITUTION SPONSORS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GIFTED EDUCATION IN AFRICA

GRAND ACHIEVEMENT AS THE BRAINS BEHIND DALC GETS ACCOLADED

The Conference for the Gifted and Talented Children which was held at the Hilton hotel on the 26th marked a significant leap in the realization of DALC Education and its founder Prof. Humphrey Oborah’s dream to reform the conventional education system.

The high ranked conference which was organized through the combined efforts of the African Council for the Gifted and Talented (ACfGT) with the support of The World Council for the Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) and DALC Education Trust saw Professor Humphrey Oborah unveiled as the first President of The Council for Gifted and Talented in Africa.

Oborah who is the brains behind DALC, has over the years dedicated extensive research in a bid to come up with an appropriate education system that is devoid of negative backlash that is synonymous to the current conservative system. He is also acknowledged for his efforts to provide solutions that impinge on the present education system through his weekly programmes on National Television, KTN, in the programme: The Class.

During the historic conference in Africa, and using emotive and eloquent speech Prof. Oborah recollected on how he was certain that the ideas he championed would one day bear sweet fruits despite the hurdles on the way. He also highlighted the challenges that gifted children face in normal educational settings as they are always mistaken by peers and foes alike.

“Most of the children who are restless have been found to be gifted and talented.” he said

He thus advocated for a shift of focus to gifts and talents as they bring out creativity and innovation which are essential for the development Kenya and Africa at large.

“Our political, societal and economic fabric will never grow unless we tap into the knowledge of the gifted and talented.” He counseled.

The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children’s Executive Administrator, Prof. Catherine Froese Klassen, (who travelled from Canada with a team of officials to witness this launch) gave the councils objectives and its background. She also applauded Prof. Oborah for working hard to give a voice to gifted and talented children.

During the conference, Hon. Alfred Khang’ati, the Assistant minister in the Office of the Prime Minister who was representing the Prime Minister as the Guest of Honor, pointed out that parents were amongst those who hinder the development of their children’s talents by discouraging them on activities such as sports, drama and music. He urged parents and education stakeholders to acknowledge that it is indeed talents that have developed regions in the country giving a classic example of Eldoret Town; which has been developed by sports athletes. He also outlined how the government was making strides in the recognition of gifts and talents and assured the Government’s commitment to working with the council.

It was also during the speeches that Prof. Ken Mc Cluskey who is a Dean and Professor of Education at the University of Winnipeg, underscored with profound examples the importance of assessing children for gifts and talents in order to nurture and develop them.

Dr. Rose Otieno the Director of the Africa Centre for Anthropometric Research education, testing and Management gave an informative speech on the implications of the 3D body scanner and the opportunities it represents to Africa.

Later on, Prof. Dr. Harry Kaane who is the Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology highlighted the state of the education in Africa and how most African talents are being used to develop the western countries yet Africans wallow in problems synonymous developing nations. He in retrospect commended the World Council for the Gifted and Talented Children for their efforts to recognize the gifts and talents in Africa.

Other distinguished guests included; Prof. Davy Koech, Dr. Patricia Magara who is the Register General in Uganda and other professors from The University of Winnipeg. The conference whose main aim was to launch the WCFTC secretariat in Africa was preceded by well attended, educative workshops which took place on the 24th and 25th March at the Visa Oshwal Religious Centre; where renowned lecturers gave talks on different issues affecting gifted and talented children.

Prof. Oborah’s new position as the President of the African World Council for the Gifted and Talented Children places him in a position where he will be able to fully focus on the area of gift and talents amongst the African Children and more so Kenya.