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A delegation of faculty members from the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), led by Prof. WU Jian, Deputy Director, International Cooperation Division. This visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), led by Prof. James Kung’u, Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), marking a significant step toward establishing a fruitful partnership between the two institutions.

Founded in 1920, HIT is one of China’s leading research universities, located in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. HIT is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and applied sciences, alongside a broad spectrum of programmes in management, humanities, and social sciences. The University is recognised for its rigorous academic standards and notable faculty, many of whom are experts in their fields. Moreover, HIT is a pivotal player in research and development within China, contributing significantly to areas such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and computer science.

 

The visit from HIT follows the recent China-Africa Cooperation Forum held in September, where an agreement was made for collaboration among 50 Chinese universities and 50 African universities. This initiative highlights a collective commitment to enhancing higher education partnerships and collaborative efforts across the continent. During their time at KU, the delegation discussed potential synergies across various schools and disciplines, particularly in engineering fields such as energy, gas, petroleum, nuclear, and aerospace. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for both institutions to advance educational and research initiatives that can benefit students and faculty alike.

HIT's campus is designed to facilitate collaboration and accessibility, featuring an integrated layout that allows for easy navigation. Newer buildings are connected by linking corridors, promoting mobility and social interaction among students and faculty. Key facilities, such as libraries, student centres, and research labs, are strategically positioned to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
The campus is well-served by public transport and features pedestrian-friendly pathways and bicycle lanes, enhancing overall accessibility. Common areas, parks, and gardens create inviting communal spaces for relaxation and gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community. Similar to HIT, Kenyatta University prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, making it the most preferred choice for students with disabilities, thanks to its well-designed infrastructure. This shared commitment highlights the potential for a fruitful partnership between the two institutions, united by their dedication to creating vibrant, inclusive academic environments.

Furthermore, HIT places a strong emphasis on digital interconnectivity, supported by advanced IT infrastructure that promotes effective communication and resource access across departments and campuses. This thoughtful design fosters teamwork and the exchange of ideas, creating a vibrant academic environment.

As Kenyatta University prepares to embark on this exciting partnership with Harbin Institute of Technology, it envisions a collaborative future that enhances educational opportunities and fosters innovation in the engineering and architecture fields, along with other possible disciplines. Together, both institutions aim to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals and researchers who will contribute significantly to technological advancement and innovation on a global scale.

Celebrating World Teachers' Day: Kenyatta University's Commitment to Advancing CBC Education

World Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on October 5th, is a moment to honor educators and recognize their invaluable contributions to society. This year, UNESCO's theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” emphasizes the critical role teachers play in shaping educational landscapes and fostering student success. As a leading institution in teacher education, Kenyatta University stands at the forefront of this celebration, committed to enhancing the quality of education and supporting teachers in their professional development.

 Our Role as Kenyatta University in Teacher Education

Kenyatta University has over 50 years of experience in teacher education, establishing itself as a Centre of Excellence in both pre-service and continuing professional development for teachers. The University houses multiple departments within its School of Education, each dedicated to different aspects of educational practice:

- Department of Educational Psychology: Focuses on understanding the cognitive and emotional needs of learners, providing teachers with the tools to support diverse student populations.

  - Department of Educational Management, Policy & Curriculum Studies: Equips educators with the skills necessary to navigate and influence educational policies and curriculum development.

- Department of Educational Communication & Technology: Prepares teachers to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.

- Department of Educational Foundations: Offers insights into the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education, fostering a deeper understanding of the teaching profession.

- Department of Early Childhood & Special Needs: Specializes in inclusive education, ensuring that all children, regardless of their needs, have access to quality education.

These departments work collaboratively to provide a holistic educational experience, fostering a community of informed and skilled educators.

Supporting Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Implementation

Kenyatta University is actively involved in the implementation and enhancement of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya. The institution addresses the urgent need for teachers to adapt to this new educational framework by:

- Providing Learning Materials: The University develops and disseminates resources that align with the CBC, ensuring educators have access to relevant teaching materials.

- Upskilling Teachers: Through specialized training programs, Kenyatta University equips teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively deliver the CBC. These programs focus on familiarizing educators with the curriculum's goals and methodologies.

- Ongoing Support: The University regularly updates teachers on best practices and strategies for implementing the CBC, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Kenyatta University’s dedication to teacher development is evident through its vibrant Directorate of Teaching Excellence, which promotes mentorship and ongoing professional support. By building communities of practice and lifelong professional networks, the University creates an environment where teachers can thrive and share best practices.

Additionally, the University’s versatile Learning Management System (LMS) supports the online components of teacher professional development (TPD), making it easier for educators to access training and resources.

The institution has also received commendations from the Teachers Service Commission for its professional delivery of the Introductory Module, highlighting its commitment to maintaining high standards in teacher education.

As we celebrate World Teachers' Day, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role that institutions like Kenyatta University play in shaping the future of education. By valuing teachers’ voices and investing in their professional development, Kenyatta University not only honors educators but also empowers them to meet the evolving demands of the educational landscape. Together, we can build a brighter future for our students and communities, ensuring that every teacher is equipped to succeed.

Since 1988, Pathfinder International has proudly partnered with Kenyatta University (KU) to advance reproductive health programmes aimed at fostering responsible sexual behaviour among students and the surrounding community. This transformative initiative addresses key issues such as unintended pregnancies through innovative peer-to-peer counselling strategies.

Dr. Tabinda Sarosh, CEO, and Dr. Pamela Onduso, Country Director and Global Advocacy Lead, visited Kenyatta University to assess the progress of this vital programme. Pathfinder International has played a pivotal role in empowering peer counsellors in their mission to support their peers. In 2017, a publication highlighted the impact of these efforts, and Dr. Gabriel Waari, Director, University Health Services suggested that a follow-up publication is essential to capture the programme's evolution over the past seven years.

Pathfinder sponsors incubation talks for peer counsellors and provides comprehensive training to ensure their continued success after graduation. The Kenyatta University Management Board has been an unwavering supporter of this programme, facilitating partnership and collaboration initiatives with Pathfinder International.

To enhance engagement, the team at Kenyatta University is advancing digital services that promote anonymity and accessibility. Additionally, they have established a club focused on addressing mental health issues, particularly for those coping with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic along with these hard economic times. Further research has been proposed to enhance synergy and generate data that can inform public advocacy and policy.

Both Pathfinder International and Kenyatta University remain committed to discovering new avenues for connecting individuals with life-changing opportunities while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Kenyatta University has set a benchmark in this field, inspiring other institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Makerere University, to seek training and benchmarking opportunities to replicate this successful programme.

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