Teachers receive ICT training ahead of schools computer project

Belio Kipsang - Principal Secretary for Education

The Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission have begun training teachers across the country as the Government prepares to roll out the laptop programme for Standard One pupils.

The training targets three teachers in every public primary school. The three are the school head teacher, a Standard One teacher and another teacher who is preferably computer literate.

In a circular (MOE.HQS/3/6/44) Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang directed all the 47 County Directors of Education (CDE) to form teams comprising officials from the Ministry and TSC to conduct the exercise.

"The Ministry and TSC County Directors have identified the three teachers and training commenced across the country last Tuesday," said Dr Kipsang.

He stated that since the training is largely practical, due diligence has been undertaken to ensure that the venues have appropriate infrastructure, computers, spacious training rooms and internet connectivity.

The PS said: "Enough trainers of trainers have been trained and officials from the ministry will offer technical support."

He called on the CDEs to properly utilise the funds as per the Public Finance Management Act.

"In cases where full-board accommodation is provided for, appropriate meals should be offered to the teachers. For non-residential training, arrangements should be put in place for participants to take meals within the training centres," read the circular.

The PS said the training aims at developing teacher and education management skills to steer the integration of ICT in the  education sector.

"Through this programme, learners will have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with technology, reduce technophobia and create interest in the learning process at an early age," said Kipsang.

According to the ministry's strategy, the trained teachers will be tasked with training other teachers.