CEMASTEA in conjunction with, e-Kitabu, TSC and KESSHA held a competition for the most innovative teacher who integrates ICT in teaching and learning. ICT Integrated Lesson Teacher of the Year Award (I-TOYA) held in Mombasa during the annual Kenya Secondary School Heads Association. The eight finalists were drawn from the eight regions namely; Nairobi, Coast region, Eastern region, North-Eastern region, Western region, Rift valley region, Central region and Nyanza region.

The Eight Regional Finalists

From left: Mr. Paul Mallo (Western), Appollo Justus (North Eastern), Mr. Paul Thairu (Central), Ms. Jemimmah Mutethya (Coast), Ms. Eunice Ruraa (Eastern), Mr. Harrison Onyango (Nairobi), James Okewa (Nyanza) and Mr. Harrison Agosa (Rift Valley)

 This was the first time the i-TOYA competition was being held at the national levels alongside Teacher of the Year Award (TOYA) and Principal of the Year Award (POYA). The regional winners were subjected to an aptitude test before making their presentations in the presence of honorable Dr. Richard Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary Education, Ministry of Education Science and Technology.

Richard Belio Kipsang, PS Education dance alongside PS State Department of Vocational Training Ministry of Education Dr Dinah Mwinziand Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Director Dr. Julius Jwan.

The presentations were done interchangeably with the TOYA and POYA which took most part of the day. The PS Education, Dr. Richard Belio Kipsang applauded the winners for the far they have reached in the competition and encouraged other teachers to incorporate the use of ICT tools and skills in teaching and learning. The presentation attracted many teachers from schools all over Kenya and i-TOYA regional winner got positive reactions on the good work they are doing to integrate ICT in their lesson.

Mr. Will Clurman, Co-Founder & CEO of e-Kitabu, one of the sponsors compared i-TOYA to a baby that has been born and will soon be running seeing the turn out of the 2017 competition taking into consideration its first time the competition is being held.

Mr. Will Clurman, Co-Founder & CEO of e-Kitabu with the National i-TOYA winners

The winner of the i-TOYA was Mr. Paul Kamau Thairu from Loreto Kiambu, Central region, who was awarded a laptop and Kshs. 100,000, first runners up was Ms. Eunice M. Ruraa from Kyeni girls, Eastern region who was also awared a laptop and  Ksh. 70,000 and finally for second riunners up Mr. Paul Mallo Barasa, Lwanya secondary, western region was awarded a laptop and Kshs. 50,000.

From right: Mr. Paul Kamau Thairu, winner i-TOYA, Ms. Eunice M. Ruraa, First runners up and Mr. Paul Mallo Barasa, Second runners up.

Mr. Paul Kamau Thairu, the Winner of i-TOYA, 2017

                                   Ms. Eunice Ruraa, 1^st Runners Up.                                                   Mr.Paul Mallo, 2^nd Runners Up.

All the regional winners took home a Lenovo laptop, a gift bag and a regional trophy. The first i-TOYA 2017 competition started off very well and is planning for greater things years to come. Teachers are encouraged to register and participate for the upcoming i-TOYA 2018, and  most of all to integrate ICT in their classroom.

i-TOYA 2017 Regional Finalist with Staff