About me

Ikebek's profile
University of Guelph Class of 2020

Overview

My unique journey has profoundly influenced my passion for education and tutoring. Growing up in conflict-ridden Sudan and South Sudan, I spent my formative years in a refugee camp. However, a positive turning point came when I established a new life in Canada. My academic path remains ongoing, encompassing primary and secondary education in Kenya, followed by post-secondary studies in Canada.

I take pride in holding a Bachelor of Science Honours (BSCH) degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematical Science from the University of Guelph. With aspirations in research, I focus on the realms of structural biology and bioinformatics.

In addition to dedicating myself to family and academic pursuits, I devote a significant portion of my leisure time to tutoring high school students in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. Additionally, I enjoy participating in friendly soccer matches.

This overview provides insight into my personal and professional growth, highlighting the significance of tutoring for every student.

Secondary School and Kakuma Refugee Camp

During my early school years, I was reserved, only becoming more socially engaged during my senior years at Kakuma Refugee Secondary School (KRSS) and Pleasant View Secondary School in Kenya.

My dedication paid off when I ranked third overall in both KRSS and Turkana West District for the 2013 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. This led to my employment as an incentive teacher at KRSS by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in January 2014 and by Windle Trust Kenya (WTK) the following year.

These experiences not only shaped my character but also solidified my commitment to education and fostering academic growth in others.

Teaching Incentive Position

During my time at KRSS, I held the esteemed role of an incentive teacher, which bestowed upon me the revered title of "Mwalimu," the Swahili term for "teacher".

As an incentive teacher in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact while receiving a monthly stipend of KSH7200 (approximately CAD80). It is worth noting that this remuneration was recognized as one of the world's lowest wages, as previously reported by the Kakuma News Reflector (KANERE).

At KRSS, I enthusiastically taught Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. It was within this teaching environment that the foundation of my personal and professional growth was established. As I imparted knowledge and explained complex concepts to my students, I found myself developing a deeper understanding of the subjects, thus fostering a sense of confidence within me.

The true reward and ultimate source of motivation for me did not solely lie in the monthly stipend, but rather in the compliments and achievements of my students. Witnessing their progress and knowing that I had played a role in their educational journey meant, and continues to mean, a great deal to me.

Postsecondary Education Experience

In 2015, I was fortunate enough to be among a group of students sponsored by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to pursue my studies at the University of Guelph. Through the Student Refugee Program (SRP) administered by WUSC, which facilitates both resettlement and access to higher education, over 150 refugee students are supported each year. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, I encourage you to visit the WUSC website.

Throughout my undergraduate journey at the University of Guelph, I discovered a passion for elucidating scientific concepts to my fellow classmates and group members during collaborative discussions. The gratitude and admiration I received for my contributions continue to motivate me, as do the gratifying outcomes experienced by those who have benefited from my tutoring services.

These experiences not only shaped my character but also solidified my commitment to education and fostering academic growth in others. Feel free to explore my reviews and recommendations to gain further insights into the quality of my work.

The Importance of Tutoring

Through personal experience, I have come to recognize that the classroom can be a bustling environment where not all students are able to thrive. Many students become easily distracted, losing focus during class exercises and homework. It is important to recognize that each student learns in a unique way, and unfortunately, individualized instruction is often limited within a traditional classroom setting.

Even the most experienced teachers and instructors face challenges in ensuring that all students receive quality instruction, despite their best efforts to implement the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach. UDL aims to provide equal opportunities and access to education for every student, addressing their individual goals and objectives.

During my tenure at KRSS and while assisting my friends and classmates throughout my undergraduate studies, I discovered that every student possesses the capability to solve any given problem. However, they often require assistance due to limited interaction with teachers and professors, large class sizes, numerous distractions, and even socioeconomic barriers that hinder their progress.

Tutoring offers a valuable opportunity for one-on-one interaction, bridging the gaps left by the fast-paced learning environment. By providing personalized attention and support, tutors can help students overcome these barriers and achieve their academic goals. If you are seeking guidance or assistance, I invite you to contact me for a FREE consultation. Together, we can unlock your full potential.