By Rita Mwabonje
A team from Kenya Coast National Polytechnic together with the Ministry of Education visited Seychelles for a benchmarking mission to seek strategic partnerships with identified training institutions offering maritime related programmes.
The team was comprised of the TVET HR Director representing the Principal Secretary, Mr. Elkana Mosiori, EASTRIP National Coordinator Nelson Gitau, Governing Council Members Dr Grace Mulei and Njeru Munene, Chief Principal Anne Mbogo (Mrs), EASTRIP Centre Leader Kevin Ochieng, Registrar Julius Kasuva, Financial Controller Clerkson Bolo and EASTRIP Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Elphas Muge. During the missions the team were able to identify opportunities for staff exchange programmes, explored sea time opportunities for marine trainers and trainees, and learnt best practices in curriculum delivery.
The team visited different institutions namely: Ministry of Education headquarters, Seychelles Institute of Technology, Seychelles Tourism Academy and Seychelles Maritime academy.
During the visit the team visited at the Ministry headquarters where they were warmly received by ministry officials led by two Principal Secretaries for Education; Ms Merna Eulentin, Department of Education Services and Mr Lesperance, Department of Education Sector Development.
The Team later visited the Seychelles Maritime Academy and were warmly welcomed by the Academy Director and they toured the Academy facilities led by the head of the institution. The following areas were covered during the tour
- Cruise Simulation rooms
- Dipping area
- Training workshops where the team were shown training equipment for marine courses
- Simulation area for firefighters
- Training areas for theory classes
- Visited students undertaking work place experience
The Academy through the Director expressed willingness to assist KCNP in developing Maritime center through collaboration in the suggested areas. The Director also encouraged KCNP to also seek collaborations with shipping companies to enhance sea time opportunities.
Suggested areas of collaboration were staff exchange programme, student exchange programme, capacity building opportunities for staff, curriculum development, Sea time opportunities for staff and students, Expert and Technical support for each other, Sharing of best practices to promote governance and Participation in exhibitions and conferences.
The Writer is a Communication Officer at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic College
