Machakos Teacher Training College


Jul 27th, 2009 2:39 PM UTC
By Stephanie Parrish

The ONE Campus Challenge students have landed in Kenya and will be regularly sending back reports from on the ground. This one comes from University of Michigan student Stephanie Parrish. Check here for more updates!

After visiting the Kitie Secondary School, we drove through Machakos to get to the Machakos Teacher Training College. We were warmly welcomed by the Deputy Principle and invited to come inside the campus. My first impression was that it was a beautiful campus! Similar to colleges back home, they had separate buildings for different classes and administrators. There was a beautiful grassy area in the middle with tables for students to study. We witnessed a lot of studying because the first year students (it is a two year program) have their midterm exams this week.

It was so generous of about 20 students to join us for lunch and to talk about their experiences during such a stressful time. After introductions, we heard from students about the kinds of courses they take, their experiences in teaching practicums, the financial burden of attending the college and the challenges they face throughout their studies. Two students in particular were very helpful and told us about their experiences. In their teaching practicum, one of the biggest challenges they face is the language barrier. They also spoke of the difficulties they will face in finding teaching positions.

One of the most interesting parts of our visit was learning that this is one of three colleges in Kenya that trains teachers with disabilities. These students are fully integrated into the classroom, which is completely unique to this school! While we all talked, two students were signing to another student so that he could be equally as engaged in the discussion! Our time here was short but it was incredible to see such motivated and passionate students. They have all been through so much to get to this point and I have no doubt that they will be successful and change many lives through their teaching!

We are on our way to the giraffe sanctuary right now and the road is getting pretty bumpy. Check in with us soon for pictures and videos from today!

-Stephanie Parrish

TAGS: 2009 OCC Africa Trip

  1. Bob Parrishsays: Jul 27th, 2009 9:07 PM EST

    July 27, 2009 at 9:07 pm

    Steph, sounds like a great first day. You must be both tired and exhilarated by these experiences. Can’t wait to hear more.

  2. Alfredsays: Aug 12th, 2009 4:44 AM EST

    August 12, 2009 at 4:44 am

    Am pleased to read the story about Machakos TTC. Since am myself Deaf as well as was a student of that college
    If you are interested in knowing more about Deaf Education in Kenya, just visit at the mentioned website or GDC office, Nairobi.

    Thanks much for lifting the college to the next leve of awareness.

  3. Duncan Guysays: Sep 26th, 2009 2:57 PM EST

    September 26, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Hi,
    I’d like to introduce you to a FREE newspaper for primary schools in Africa.
    Visit http://www.learnthenews.org
    Let me know if you wish to subscribe.
    Regards,
    Duncan Guy
    Editor

  4. Hesi examsays: Sep 16th, 2010 3:55 AM EST

    September 16, 2010 at 3:55 am

    We need to read the answers carefully to make sure we select the best answer for the questions. We need to remember or even write down the Earned Value formulas. But we are missing one more important piece of information.

  5. john gatumasays: Jan 13th, 2011 8:07 AM EST

    January 13, 2011 at 8:07 am

    pliz give me a chance to this institution

  6. ayubsays: Apr 19th, 2011 3:09 PM EST

    April 19, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    How will i join the collage to do p1 certificate with c- in kcse

  7. stephen oumasays: May 7th, 2011 4:28 AM EST

    May 7, 2011 at 4:28 am

    i was a volunteer student interpreter in MATECO i still wish to belong to mateco

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