The County Government of Uasin Gishu has taken a significant step towards enhancing early childhood education by partnering with iHub Organization to upskill Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. The landmark partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Thursday, aims to integrate technology into the county's 674 ECDE centers, benefiting over 40,000 young learners.
The collaboration will focus on training ECDE teachers in modern technological advancements, equipping them with the skills needed to improve classroom experiences and adapt to the evolving educational landscape. The program underscores the county’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and technology.
Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, speaking at the signing ceremony, reaffirmed his administration's dedication to transforming education. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the provision of free school milk to ECDE learners, the distribution of learning materials worth Ksh 22 million, and the employment of 1,374 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
"Through this MOU, we aim to retool our teachers, enabling them to deliver advanced teaching techniques and position themselves as leaders in early childhood education," Governor Bii stated.
The governor also emphasized that the partnership with iHub aligns with his administration’s broader goal of transforming the education sector. "We believe that empowering our teachers with modern skills will ultimately contribute to a brighter future for our children and the entire community," he added.
The training program will pilot innovative teaching methods, focusing on integrating digital tools into lesson plans to foster creativity and engagement among learners. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for other counties, showcasing how technology can enhance the quality of education in early childhood centers.
iHub Organization, a leader in technological innovation, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "Our goal is to empower educators with cutting-edge skills that will transform their teaching practices. This partnership is a step forward in ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age," an iHub representative stated.
The partnership has been lauded as a transformative move that not only prioritizes the professional development of teachers but also aligns with national and global goals for inclusive and equitable quality education.
As Uasin Gishu County positions itself as a leader in education innovation, the initiative is set to leave a lasting impact on the community, ensuring that children in the region receive a solid foundation for lifelong learning.