There was pomp and colour at Lugari Diploma Teachers Training College (LDTTC) in Lugari Sub-county, Kakamega County, where 51 graduands were commissioned to the teaching profession during its 5th Graduation ceremony.
The ceremony was graced by the Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Prof. Charles Ong’ondo who congratulated the graduands for their sheer hard work, dedication and discipline that saw all of them graduate.
He further hailed the management and staff for leading the way in promoting learner-centered training at the college as envisaged in CBTE.
Speaking to the graduates, Ong’ondo took time to advise them on what awaits them going forward and how they should acquaint themselves with matters education.
He emphasized on key areas of Professionalism, Content, Pedagogy, Resources and assessment as key skill areas in competency based teacher education (CBTE) that teachers need to acquaint themselves in.
He laid emphasis on the expected lifestyle of a teacher Quoting, “From this day, you are now a teacher! The way you walk, talk, dress and even eat should reflect that of a teacher. The outside world is now going to judge you based on how you carry yourself”.
Furthermore, Prof. gave more highlights on the global 21st century competencies such as communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, learning to learn, citizenship and digital literacy among others relevant in addressing 21st century challenges.
He encouraged members of the public to embrace CBC.
The ceremony was also attended by education officials among them both western regional directors of education and TSC Mr. Steven Barongo and Ms. Lilian Mwangi respectively.
They commended the college management for impressive infrastructural transformation while encouraging the graduands to uphold high professionalism in their teaching profession.
The College Chief Principal Mrs. Anne Esese conveyed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their continued support to the college that has seen improvement in infrastructural development.
She however expressed the need for more infrastructure and human resource (lecturers) to adequately implement the new learning areas in the curriculum such as Wood Technology, Electrical technology, Home science, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing among others.
She also cited low student enrolment as a challenge attributing it to similarity in entry grade for both diploma and University and the absence of loan facility by HELB advanced to Secondary diploma TTC students by government just like in other tertiary institutions.
The KESSHA representative (Ms. Temitilla Nyongesa- Senior Principal Bishop sulumeti girls Lugari) also appreciated the college for ever producing ethical and competent teachers and urged parents to continue bringing their children to Lugari diploma TTC.
Several students were issued with gifts and certificates following their impressive performance in different fields, and standing out among them was Kibet Cleophas Asiwatum who landed the staff award category.
The best candidate awards category went to Mr. Langila Kipsang and Ms. Ayako Faith while Omakanda Sarah Omina scooped that of the best student in teaching practice.
Professor Ong’ondo awarded two outstanding students from the college by incorporating them to KICD programs as panellists.
