Last week was one of new experiences, excitement, and personal growth for Team Mombasa. We spent the weekend exploring the Southern Coast of Kenya. As part of this adventure, we took a boat ride to a secluded area where the team had the opportunity to snorkel and view the diverse ocean wildlife in the area. We then had lunch at a local restaurant on a nearby island which overlooked the ocean. Although it was raining (it is rainy season), we had a great day experiencing more of Kenya’s nature!
Upon our return from out weekend away, we began teaching our course at Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT). We had over 80 students register for the course, and there was great enthusiasm on campus as the class began. As a teacher, I was nervous that many of the students would be used to lecture style rather than case-method, participatory teaching methods, and feared that it would be difficult to encourage an active discussion. The team set some very clear course expectations, however. After the first two days of teaching, it became clear that the students were enjoying the case-method style of learning and were beginning to participate with more energy and frequency. We also explained to our students that we were conducting research while in Kenya, and many approached us after class and expressed a desire to help us. We have been truly humbled by the positive attitudes, enthusiasm, and warm-welcomes that the students have expressed to us!
We have also had a wonderful time working with the faculty at JKUAT. They have been so gracious to us. The university has suggested some case-writing leads that sounds very promising. I am looking forward to learning more about the challenges faced by local businesses and trying my hand at case-writing! This component of the experience is truly adding a valuable, complimenting perspective to the experience. We were guests at an evening function hosted by the university for their executive students in a coastal town to the north of Mombasa on Friday night. We were excited to have the opportunity to socialize with these students as well as the faculty and administration of the university. We were honoured to have been invited!
As we complete the first week of cases, we look forward to the exciting opportunities and experiences that await us!