The certification event for the Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP) at Strathmore University that concluded on Friday 31st May 2024 was not just a formality; it was an eye-opening experience for the educational representatives from Liberia. This diverse group of Liberia education stakeholders, who spent three months at Strathmore University, brought a unique blend of perspectives and experiences, enriching their collective journey. This was further enriched by a visit to schools in Kitui County for benchmarking, facilitated by the Strathmore Institute and supported Strathmore University Community Service Center

Originally part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP) transitioned to the Strathmore Institute as a certification course. The programme’s primary aim is to improve teachers’ abilities to handle daily tasks, whether in the classroom or leadership roles. By providing comprehensive training to teachers and school board members from various backgrounds, TEP fosters a deep understanding of school operations and promotes interconnectedness within educational environments.

Among the participants, Fr. P Sumo-Varfee Molubah, a priest from Monrovia, shared his newfound ability to create presentation slides, a humble yet significant takeaway from his time at Strathmore. He expressed gratitude to the organizing team for the wealth of knowledge imparted during their certification. Mr. Owen W. Blay found particular value in the integration of technology in education and the adoption of student-centered pedagogy. He was determined to instill a culture where students are encouraged to question and express their opinions freely, a departure from the traditional norms in Liberia. Additionally, the Community Service Center’s mentorship program left a lasting impression on him, sparking ideas to implement similar initiatives in Liberian schools. The financial model of Kenyan schools, which does not solely rely on student fees, intrigued Mr. Blay, prompting him to explore alternative revenue-generating strategies for their schools back home.

Mr. Dominic, the Education Secretary for the Catholic Diocese of Banga, was struck by the emphasis on practicality in the program. He saw it as both a challenge and an opportunity to revolutionize Liberia’s education system. The simplicity and orderliness within the Strathmore community resonated with him, highlighting the unity and equality fostered within. Sister Philomena, advocating for action research, emphasized the importance of identifying areas of interest, exploring gaps, and collaborating with stakeholders for problem-solving. She was eager about introducing the methodology into Liberian educational settings.

Reflecting on their journey, Brenda Nthenya Munyao from the Teacher Enhancement Program Office remarked, “Their journey from Liberia to Kenya wasn’t just about acquiring certifications; it was a transformative experience that sparked ideas, challenged norms, and ignited a collective determination to enact positive change in their education system back home.”

Article written by Teresa Nekesa