Wajir: Wajir Teachers Training College (TTC) management on Tuesday held a session with primary school head teachers from Wajir East Sub-county to prepare them for the placement and mentorship of third-year teacher trainees during their teaching practicum. The meeting, held at the Grand Oasis Hotel in Wajir town, brought together more than 30 head teachers to discuss practicum requirements and supervision arrangements for over 400 trainees who recently completed their examinations in October.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wajir TTC Practicum Director Salah Yusuf Abdinoor stated that the trainees would be deployed to schools within a 30-kilometer radius of the college, mainly in Wajir East, starting this month through to the second term ending in August. 'We met and briefed head teachers on the requirements for teaching practice. More than 400 third-year trainees have been released to undertake their practicum within Wajir East,' Abdinoor said.
He emphasized that the practicum period is aimed at enabling trainees to apply classroom theory in real teaching environments and build practical skills. 'This teaching practice will help our trainees master teaching skills so that after completion they can teach effectively and improve their chances of securing employment with the Teachers Service Commission,' he added.
Wajir Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary Nur Mohamed Bardad highlighted the significance of establishing Wajir TTC, marking a major milestone for the county, which previously lacked a teachers' training institution. 'We are proud that Wajir now has a well-structured TTC with good physical facilities. This year, more than 400 students have been deployed to schools in Wajir East and Central, and we are already seeing positive impact in our schools,' Bardad said.
He expressed gratitude towards the school management, board, and college staff for supporting the programme, expressing confidence that the institution would continue to grow. Barwaqo Girls Secondary School Head Teacher Abdirashid Aden Mohamed welcomed the initiative, saying the briefing had helped head teachers understand their role in mentoring trainees.
'We are grateful to Wajir TTC for organising this meeting and for starting a TTC in Wajir County. We are ready to mentor and coach the teacher trainees so that they graduate as professional teachers,' Abdirashid said. He added that head teachers in Wajir East were committed to working closely with the college to ensure the success of the practicum programme.