The Ministry of Education has partnered with the Safaricom Foundation and Vodafone foundation to launch a Sh240 million digital skills program for teachers in various Teachers Training colleges (TTC) countrywide dubbed “Scaling digital skills program”.
The Scaling digital skills program aims to equip ICT labs in 35 TTC in the country which will strengthen the capacity of teachers to integrate and use ICT skills for effective teaching and learning.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba who presided over the launch at the Machakos Teachers College, the ministry has invested on ICT infrastructure that will propel capacity building of teachers and development of digital content.
Ogamba noted that the launching of the digital skills was timely and was implemented at the right time in the digital era when both the teachers and learners require it.
“Competence Based Education Training (CBET) targets to equip teacher educators and trainers with relevant knowledge and skills which are necessary for development of digital literacy among our learners,” said the CS.
He emphasized on the importance of using ICT in learning and training which enhances educational outcome in TTC and also equip teachers with the right tools to improve and enhance learning.
“There is a need to utilize ICT as a pedagogical tool in learning to enable teachers to survive in the dynamic 21st century classroom,” added Ogamba.
Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu said that one of the ways of improving education outcomes in the digital age, is by investing in the digital programmes which are set to positively impact teachers and learners.
Ogutu added that their main goal is to enhance the capacity of teachers to deliver digital education while improving education outcomes for learners in Primary and secondary schools in the country.
“By providing TTC with the necessary digital tools we are preparing future leaders to deliver high quality education that integrates technology,” said the Safaricom Foundation Chair.
Additionally, Ogutu noted that the programme includes renovation of existing ICT facilities in various institutions and constructing new ones where necessary and the ones that have benefited are 8 including Machakos TTC, Eregi TTC, Asumbi, Egogi, Kamweja, Garissa and Kericho TTC.
On her part Machakos TTC Chief Principal madam Joyce Mabwai commended the partnership between the Ministry of education and Safaricom Foundation that saw her school benefiting with two renovated computer labs equipped with 42 new and advanced computers, projectors and better internet access.
Mabwai underscored the importance of the scaling digital skills program that will make it easier for her students, teachers and special needs department to use technology in their learning and elevate the college standards.
Others present were Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich, Machakos Director for Education Margaret Muirigi and other Education officials.
By Anne Kangero
