Student Leaders Induction Workshop on National Cohesion and Values by Mr. Amos Chege, Chairman, National Cohesion and Values Committee of the Meru University of Science and Technology.
UNIVERSITY NATIONAL COHESION AND VALUES
National Cohesion and Values committee is established with the mandate of promoting and mainstreaming national cohesion within the university community.
National Cohesion:
Understanding national cohesion
It is a process and an outcome of instilling and enabling all citizens in the country to have a sense as well as a feeling that they are members of the same country, engaged in a common enterprise and facing shared challenges. Indeed, National Cohesion goes beyond peace-keeping and conflict management.
National cohesion is based on the fact that societies and individuals can only achieve their potential when living and working together. This is realized through the regulation and reconciliation of differences, competing interests and demands.
National cohesion is strongest when everyone in the country has the opportunity, the resources and the motivation to participate in society as fully as they wish and on an equal basis with others.
National Values and Principles of good Governance
National values are beliefs of a nation guiding the actions and behavior of its citizens while principles of good governance oblige the state to perform its functions in a manner that promotes the general well-being of its people.
These National Values are entrenched by the constitution under Article 10 (2) which highlights the following National Values and Principles of Governance:
- Patriotism, National Unity, Sharing and Devolution of power, The rule of law, Democracy, Participation of the people
- Human dignity, Equity, Social justice, Inclusiveness, Equality, Human rights, Non-discrimination, Protection of the marginalized
- Good governance, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability
- Sustainable development,
Therefore, national values define the Kenyan State and governance systems. Meru University of Science & Technology being a Public University is guided by the national values and principles of good Governance. In practice, the nation as well as institutions are faced with challenges in promoting national cohesion and values within their communities. Some of the challenges to Cohesion are:
- Ethnicized politics
- Weak respect for the rule of law
- Culture of greed and selfishness
Benefits of a Cohesive and Integrated Nation
- Institutional solidarity – togetherness;
- Unity and harmony;
- Unified approach in confronting external threats;
- Commitment to institutional ideals;
- Improved performance and well-being;
- Promotion of equity in the sharing of available resources;
- Building of a strong institutional identity.
INSTITUTIONAL COHESION AND EFFECTUAL PERFORMANCE
Cohesion is defined as a conscious desire for diverse groups of people to belong together and affirm the condition of mutual dependence.
It entails constructing an integrated citizenry with a sense of belonging amongst members of different groups and regions of a country.
This is realized through the regulation and reconciliation of differences, competing interests and demands.
It encompasses the values of unity, equality, freedom, democracy, peace, social justice and rule of law.
Indicators of a Cohesive Society
- Common vision and sense of belonging
- Peaceful co-existence among all members
- Appreciation and value for peoples’ diverse backgrounds and circumstances
- Similar life opportunities for those from different backgrounds
- Strong and positive relationships developed between people from different backgrounds.
Challenges to cohesion
- Divisive ideologies;
- Deteriorating morals and values;
- Culture of greed and selfishness;
- Community superiority/ inferiority;
- Negative ethnicity/ negative cultural practices;
- Weakening of the family unit; and
Approaches for fostering institutional cohesion
- Sharing and Devolution of Power
- Rule of Law
- Democracy and Participation of the People
- Human dignity
- Equity
- Inclusiveness and Non-discrimination
- Good Governance
- Integrity
- Transparency and Accountability
Benefits of a Cohesive Nation
- Enhanced national solidarity and harmony;
- Unified approach to confronting external threats;
- Commitment to national ideals;
- Improved economic performance and well-being;
- Promotion of equity in the sharing of state resources;
- Building of a strong national identity;
- Enhanced credibility in regional/international; and peacemaking process.
Conclusion:
The University community is formed by people from different backgrounds and therefore diverse cultures. It’s therefore important to note that for us to develop in all aspects we need to appreciate and respect one another. As Student Leaders we should nurture national cohesion, integration and peaceful coexistence for our own benefit and the benefit of future generations.
As the late Nobel Peace Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai quoted; “Like a Humming bird I will do the best I can”. Therefore as individuals and community let’s put all our efforts together in ensuring Meru University of Science and Technology is a Cohesive Community that promotes and sustains National Values and Principles of governance.
Words of our national anthem
O God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity Peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders.
Mr. Amos Chege
Chairman, National Cohesion and Values Committee
Proceedings From the Prayer Breakfast Organized by the Cohesion and Values Committee on 31st August,2016
1. Institutional Cohesion and Effectual Performance
Cohesion is defined as a conscious desire for diverse groups of people to belong together and affirm the condition of mutual dependence.
It entails constructing an integrated citizenry with a sense of belonging amongst members of different groups and regions of a country.
This is realized through the regulation and reconciliation of differences, competing interests and demands.
It encompasses the values of unity, equality, freedom, democracy, peace, social justice and rule of law.
Indicators of a Cohesive Society
- Common vision and sense of belonging
- Peaceful co-existence among all members
- Appreciation and value for peoples’ diverse backgrounds and circumstances
- Similar life opportunities for those from different backgrounds
- Strong and positive relationships developed between people from different backgrounds.
Challenges to cohesion
- Divisive ideologies;
- Deteriorating morals and values;
- Culture of greed and selfishness;
- Community superiority/ inferiority;
- Negative ethnicity/ negative cultural practices;
- Weakening of the family unit; and
Approaches for fostering institutional cohesion
- Sharing and Devolution of Power
- Rule of Law
- Democracy and Participation of the People
- Human dignity
- Equity
- Inclusiveness and Non-discrimination
- Good Governance
- Integrity
- Transparency and Accountability
Benefits of a Cohesive Nation
- Enhanced national solidarity and harmony;
- Unified approach to confronting external threats;
- Commitment to national ideals;
- Improved economic performance and well-being;
- Promotion of equity in the sharing of state resources;
- Building of a strong national identity;
- Enhanced credibility in regional/international; and peacemaking process.
Conclusion:
Words of our national anthem
O God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity Peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders.
Psalms 133: 1-3
Vs 1 – Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity;
Vs 2 – It is like the precious ointment upon the head of Aaron, that ran down the beard of Aaron; down the skirts of his garments.
Vs 3 – ….for there the Lord commands a blessing, even life for ever more.
Presented on 31st August 2016 by:
Edward Nyongesa Wafula
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
2.Agents of Transformation
Romans 12:2
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Introduction:
Transformation implies change, renovation, revolution or make over, restoration, repairs, repair, reconstruction, rebuilding, overhaul.
Transformation process is done by people who have been transformed. Their minds must be changed.
Transformation agents understand the perfect will of God concerning the area of responsibility that God has placed them.
Nuggets:
- Agents of transformation confront what average people complain about
- They pursue solution but average people stir at problems.
- They make improvements not excuses
- Transformation originates from a changed heart and mind. It is expressed in the speech and demonstrated in life.
- Any transformation is provoked by holy discontent or holy anger.
- Transformation is initiated by individuals who are tired of the status quo.
- They are inspired to act driven by holy discontentment or holy anger
- Agents of transformation do common, everyday things, but in very uncommon ways regardless of whether people are watching or not.
Biblical and Current Examples of Transformational Agents
Moses-What was the defining experience that forced Moses into becoming a transformational agent? Exodus 2:11 tells us that Moses witnessed something that outraged him, something that he couldn’t just let go. He saw one of his own people being beaten, and he just couldn’t live with the status quo.
Exodus 3:7 God confirms to Moses that he has seen the same thing. He has heard the same cries, and He is concerned for the well- being of his people.
God says to Moses what you saw (the beating) that made you angry, I have seen and heard, and I am going to do something about it, and I am going to use you to do it because I see you are disturbed by it too.
The key to transformation is when God’s heart and the human heart are aligned perfectly over what frustrates both heaven and earth.
This is holy discontentment. It is when something frustrates the character of God, and a potential transformer to total anger, so that he just has to do something about it.
David– David experienced a holy discontent when he heard Goliath “trash talking” his God. He was disturbed by the fact that no one was doing anything about it, and the way Goliath talked about his God, angered him to the point where he just couldn’t stand it any longer and had to do something about it.
Nehemiah-Nehemiah experienced holy discontent when he heard the state of the city of Jerusalem where his forefathers were buried and where the temple of his God was located.
Martin Luther King was outraged by racial discrimination in America. His holy discontent meant moving towards action. Likely would cost him his life. But he did it anyway. Because he just couldn’t stand to see the injustices any longer.
What is that one cause, that one problem, that one situation, that causes so much damage to your soul that you just have to do something about it?
What do you want to see change or improve in in your life, family, office, community, and Kenya?
Conclusion:
- Transformers don’t conform or fit in but they stand out.
- You cannot change what you accept
- You cannot change what you fear to confront
- Go behold the call of duty
- Let your work be your signature
- Let your words and actions speak for you.
Sermonette prepared and presented by:
Rev. Gerald W. Mugo (M.A. Leadership Edu, B.A. Ed. Art, Dip. Bible &Theo)
Senior Pastor-Full Gospel Churches of Kenya- MeruTown
P.O. Box 253 Meru 60200 Mobile: 0721639618
Email: ggmugo@yahoo.com