On 3^rd July, Prof Seija Karppinen paid a courtesy call to  Pwani University Vice Chancellor, Prof MS Rajab .  The Vice Chancellor appreciated efforts done to train trainers of training. This was a big step in preparing teachers to handle Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).  Due to the increasing number of teachers who need training, there was need to increase the length of the project. The Vice Chancellor also suggested the need to consider exchange programs for both staff and students involved in the project. On her part, Prof. Seija appreciated the university teams and their flexibility in supporting the project. She appreciated the successful collaboration between the Kenya and Finnish Universities. She promised to look into the possibility of lengthening the period of the project in the next round of funding in 2024.  Regarding the consideration of exchange programs, Prof Seija agreed it was a noble idea, however due to budgetary constraints, she suggested it could be considered in the next cycle of the project. Prof Seija also met with faculty members from the school of Education. The Dean, Prof Jacinta Kwena made a presentation on the strides the school has made in preparing the students to be effective teachers in handling CBC. The presentation also covered requirements of Special needs department to effectively support CBC.

TOTEMK project had its first training focusing on the 21st century skills in April followed by a ten week distance learning period. A graduation ceremony was held in September for the participants who completed the course.

Ian Warua from Strathmore University opened the graduation ceremony, held in Zoom, thanking the graduates for participating in TOTEMK project's first training. The ceremony was also joined by the project's leader Seija Karppinen: "During the TOTEMK project we have four different training periods. Today we marked the completion of the first training. The aim of the TOTEMK project is to strengthen the capacity of teacher education and institutional management in Kenya".

Altogether 60 participants graduated from TOTEMK's first training. "We, as the graduands, are now fully equipped with the 21st Century Skills, gearing towards a deepened understanding in critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity", Dr.Beatrice Mburugu, one of the participants said in her speech.

TOTEMK warmly congratulates all the graduates!

The training was conducted as a hybrid of both virtual and physical. Out of the 60 participants, 25 participants attended face-to-face, while the rest joined the training virtually. Pwani University was represented by  six (6) participants—Three(3) members of the TOTEMK core team and three (3) teaching staff of the School of Education. The aim of the TOTwas to enhance the participants' knowledge & skills in using modern technology in teaching and learning. The objective of the training was to support the implementation of Competency Based Curriculum and to equip participants with modern technology in teaching and learning using digital tools. Ideally it was expected that at the end of the training, each participant would be able to:

1. Comprehend the role of technology in HE teaching to ensure successful implementation of CBC
   
   
2. Apply different methodologies for planning and carrying out teaching
   
   
3. Design and deliver a course for online/blended/classroom learning situation applying digital tools in a pedagogically appropriate way

The TOTEMK project's closing seminar was held from 6^th to  7^th May  at Strathmore University. This was  marking the culmination of efforts to enhance teacher education in Kenya! Three days filled with reflections and highlights from the project, and looking to the future together.

On May 6th, 2024, Strathmore University hosted the closing seminar for the Training of Trainers for Education Management in Kenya (TOTEMK) project, concluding a transformative journey aimed at enhancing teacher education and institutional management across Kenya. The TOTEMK project’s overarching goal is to strengthen the capacity of teacher education and institutional management in Kenya, ensuring a competent workforce capable of delivering the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenyan schools.Led by experts in education, the seminar provided a platform to reflect on the project’s achievements, challenges, and the path forward in revolutionizing education practices in Kenya.

Dr. Magdalene Dimba, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Strathmore University, appreciated the government, stakeholders, and contributors for their unwavering support throughout the project’s tenure. She said the project served as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing education and demonstrated a renewed commitment to transforming education practices for a brighter future in Kenya.

Participants during the TOTEMK Project Closing Ceremony

Prof. Seija Karppinen, Director of the Project from the University of Helsinki, summarized the essence of TOTEMK. She emphasized the project’s mission to address the evolving needs of 21st-century education and the implementation of the CBC in Kenya. She further highlighted efforts made in enhancing the quality of teacher education and the collaborative initiatives involving 22 universities across Kenya. Sustainability was underscored as a crucial aim, with outlined plans for continuous development of teacher skills beyond the project’s conclusion.

Tujia Marstio from the Laurea University of Applied Sciences stressed the vital role of digitalization in education, particularly in adapting to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her presentation highlighted the importance of equipping students with relevant skills in the digital age, while acknowledging educators as mentors and guides in this transformative journey.

On his part, Prof. Ismail Ateya, Director of the Office of Faculty Affairs at Strathmore University, challenged participants to embrace technological advancements in education. He said there is a need for student-centered approaches and continuous professional development to meet diverse learner needs in today’s dynamic world.

Dr. Peter Ouma from the University of Eldoret shared his journey with education technology and the profound impact of the CBC. Joining the TOTEMK Project in November 2021, Dr. Ouma underwent comprehensive training, resulting in the development of tailored CBC training manuals. At the University of Eldoret, innovative digital tools like Mentimeter have facilitated data-driven decisions, enhancing the learning experience.

Furthermore, Prof. Francis Indochi from Maseno University reflected on the transformative impact of TOTEMK on their institution, emphasizing needs assessment and stakeholder engagement in curriculum development.

Prof. Nabwire Violet Opata and Dr. Philomena Chepsiror from Moi University highlighted challenges and advantages of aligning courses with CBC directives. Despite facing the task of realigning professional courses, Moi University diligently adhered to guidelines, propelling them towards learner-centered teaching paradigms.

As the seminar drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of gratitude and inspiration among participants. According to Dr. Dimba, the TOTEMK project had not only equipped educators with necessary tools and skills but had fostered collaboration and innovation within the education sector.

Pwani University was represented physically and virtually during the closing ceremony.

• Report of the baseline-23rd March 2021

• Report of the baseline -2 March to September 2022