By: Dan Orero

CEMASTEA organised a two-day STEM Model School Principals workshop in Nakuru from June 10^th – 11^th. The workshop theme was ‘Enhancing Principals Pedagogical Leadership for Effective implementation of the STEM Pathway in the Competency-Based Curriculum. One hundred and one (101) Principals from the 103 STEM Model schools attended.

Some topics under consideration included understanding the STEM pathways in light of CBC, strategies for supporting STEM education programmed in their schools and the need for continued transformation into Centres of Excellence in STEM education. Strategies included the improvement of their schools’ STEM climate, making it more inviting, initiating programmes such as the maker’s spaces, and integrating education for sustainable development.

The Chief Guest during the opening ceremony was the Director General, State Department of Early learning & Basic Education, Ministry of Education, Mr Elyas Abdi. In his remarks, he challenged principals to ensure the learners got quality STEM education because of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He requested the school leaders to prepare for junior secondary intake, especially in STEM-related subjects. He encouraged principals to support their teachers continue to practice skills acquired during the STEM training by CEMASTEA. STEM model schools should stand out in every aspect such that neighbouring schools can emulate and learn from them.

Chief Guest, Director General, State Department of Early learning & Basic Education, Ministry of Education, Mr. Elyas Abdi, Dr. John Aleke, Assistant Director Quality Assurance and Standards at the Teachers Service Commission and Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, HSC, Director CEMASTEA while making her remarks during the workshop

The closing ceremony was presided over by Teachers Service Commission CEO Dr Nancy Macharia, represented by Dr John Aleke, Assistant Director of Quality Assurance and Standards. He thanked CEMASTEA for playing a pivotal role in initiating school principals in CBC and the STEM pathway. He urged the Principals to practice what they had been through and take the opportunity to learn from each other. He assured them of TSC’s commitment to continually support teachers and learners in promoting STEM-related activities. He challenged them to have their schools as centres of excellence in STEM education. He noted that the training equipped them with knowledge and skills to implement CBC at Junior Secondary, hence the need to offer exemplary pedagogical leadership to sensitize teachers and other stakeholders. “Make deliberate efforts to increase enrolment and achievement in STEM subjects”, he concluded.]

In her remarks, Director CEMASTEA, Mrs Jacinta Akatsa, encouraged the principals to invite STEM programmes that promoted the uptake and increased enrolment in STEM subjects. Noting that a conducive teaching and learning environment could lead to great results, she requested them to put in place structures that would ensure follow-ups and strengthen the transfer of knowledge and skills gained. The participating Principals developed an action plan detailed in various programmes they intended to do. These included preparation for CBC Junior secondary, lesson study, ICT integration and STEM projects and programmes.