Mombasa: Center for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has urged the National Government to facilitate more funding towards retooling and retraining of teachers. This would ensure that the Curriculum Based Competency syllabus is a success as it continues to be rolled out in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call for increased funding was made by Martin Mungai, Deputy Coordinator for STEM under CEMASTEA, during a weeklong Lamu County Principals' workshop held in Lamu. Mungai emphasized the need for enhanced teacher training as the Curriculum Based Competency (CBC) syllabus progresses into Grade 10. He highlighted the necessity for support not only in training but also in providing equipment and facilities like laboratories to ensure a smooth transition and adoption of STEM subjects under the CBC syllabus.
Mungai also stressed the importance of teachers being open and positive towards the CBC programme as it continues its rollout. He pointed out that teacher retraining, particularly in Junior Secondary Schools, is critical for the full adoption of Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects within the CBC framework.
Echoing Mungai's sentiments, Lamu Department of Education Deputy Director Shumi Ali Mohammed emphasized the value of workshops in providing teachers with insights into CBC teaching and adoption methods. She mentioned ongoing sensitization efforts aimed at ensuring the new syllabus program's success, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between teachers, parents, and school administrators.
Shumi expressed optimism that a positive attitude towards the CBC programme, especially in teaching STEM subjects, would enhance student success. She noted that the CBC's student-oriented approach is a departure from the previous 8-4-4 module, which was more tutor-instructive.