Diaspora Educators of Kenya Association (DEKA) is a body of Kenyan teachers working in the Education Sector in various countries across all continents.
In DEKA, we hope to see our colleagues succeed in securing opportunities in various positions in diverse institutions across the globe. Networking among each other exposes our teaching fraternity to well-paying opportunities and jobs across various continents, right from lower primary curriculum to Sixth Form (A-Levels), from Foundation level to IB Diploma positions, with some securing positions in leadership in the process. Others are now teaching in tertiary institutions and colleges. Such elevation of our members builds on the excellent education they acquired while back home and gives credence to our own Kenyan education system.
It’s the aspiration of DEKA to provide a platform, where personal growth is encouraged and supported, through various guidance offered by colleagues, who have been in similar situations or better. Guidance can be in form of advice on courses one has to undertake to build their portfolio and strengthen their CVs for the international teaching circuit, available job vacancies and requirements, visa processing procedures and requirements, among wider areas of support our dear DEKA members receive freely from fellow colleagues. Many of our members have secured positions in various international schools as a result of recommendations made by a DEKA member. This reflects the good standing and respects our DEKA members have in the various institutions they are or were formerly working in.
The Diaspora Educators of Kenya was initially called Kenya Diaspora Educators but changed its name after the registrar of societies requested for the same. This was because its government affiliated entities that have the word Kenya at the beginning of the name. The acronym DEKA/KDE continue to be used to date. The association started as a WhatsApp group that was created on 19/08/2016 by Mathews Ocharo. Within a week the group had over 100 participants all linked to each other. The initial intention (which remains the core aim) was to link up Kenya teachers working in the diaspora and rekindle their rapport since others had not met for a long time. Taking advantage of the new mobile technology of group invites and sharing of content, it became apparent that this virtual Staffroom was the future of bridging the gap of physical space.
The Diaspora Educators of Kenya was initially called Kenya Diaspora Educators but changed its name after the registrar of societies requested for the same. This was because its government affiliated entities that have the word Kenya at the beginning of the name. The acronym DEKA/KDE continue to be used to date. The association started as a WhatsApp group that was created on 19/08/2016 by Mathews Ocharo. Within a week the group had over 100 participants all linked to each other. The initial intention (which remains the core aim) was to link up Kenya teachers working in the diaspora and rekindle their rapport since others had not met for a long time. Taking advantage of the new mobile technology of group invites and sharing of content, it became apparent that this virtual Staffroom was the future of bridging the gap of physical space.
Provide leadership to expand the capacity for high-quality teachers who might want to teach in the diaspora.
Provide assistance and guidance to enable KDE members attain higher educational standards, strengthen, and sustain quality programs that will be availed online.
I have been an international school teacher for the last sixteen going on seventeen years.I left Kenya to work in the diaspora in 2011 and I wish I had found and joined KDE earlier. I did so in 2017 and it has been a most incredible experience. In 2018, a Visa to a country I was to report to for work got denied.
I was new to KDE but everyone rallied around with advice and well wishes and in the end, I got the Visa! It has been an eye opener to what potential lies out here for a teacher, from this group.
I have learned to aspire for better and to do better. The group has also encouraged me to invest my hard earned money in potentially lucrative ventures with them.
I am yet to come up with a question or problem that members of KDE will not have a response, suggestion or support for. I feel like I have found family and friends in strangers that have made me feel home, from anywhere in the world.
Connect. Educate. Liberate.
These three words sum up my experience with KDE. I've worked in international education for many years, but it wasn't until 2016 that I decided to leave Kenya. It's difficult to be away from home. It's even more difficult if this is the life you've known for a long time. My first year away was more miserable than I could have imagined. Do not misunderstand me. My job was everything that was promised, I felt at ease in strange places, and there were many people who made me feel welcome. The true connection, however, occurred in 2017, when I joined KDE. KDE is a medley of everything. I consider it a one-stop shop for most of what I want to hear or learn on a daily basis. I was a KDE pioneer, and I am grateful for the amount of information shared. People are always willing to assist with information, finances (sometimes), directing you in the right direction, job advertisements, resources, and, most importantly, keeping us updated on events back home. Having firsthand knowledge of what is going on in the world, as well as the occasional squabble, keeps life interesting. I believe I am extremely well-informed on both national and international issues. I've made friends and made investments, and I know that if I ever get into trouble, someone would come to my rescue
KDE has been helpful in assisting me to secure two job opportunities. The economic and professional empowerment has been always forthcoming. I teach English, Literature and Drama. I have taught in three different systems of education. I engage in mounting capacity building events for teachers in the form of workshops, seminars and conferences.
DEKA members supported me alot when my Dad passed away early this year and soon after my younger brother. Because of the support I was able to assist my family with the bills and travel home without having to bear the full cost all by myself. To me DEKA is like my family. Also when I need professional information I know somebody in DEKA is likely to have the solution that is trustworthy and reliable.
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