Resumption of studies for all Teacher Training Colleges (TTC)

REF: RESUMPTION OF STUDIES FOR ALL TEACHER TRAINING  COLLEGES IN KENYA

As  you are  aware, the Cabinet  Secretary directed phased out  resumption  of face to face learning in Tertiary Institutions on 29th September, 2020.

The Ministry has developed health and safety protocols for implementation by all leaning institutions in readiness for the resumption of studies. 

These measures are in line with guidelines of the Ministry of Health, which will be relied upon to provide further advice on the COVID-19 containment from time to time.

Consequently, you are directed to ensure compliance with the following Revised Academic Calendar for Teacher Training Colleges in 2020 as per the Cabinet Secretary’s directive:  

1. Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE)

NB:  The 2021 Academic Calendar will be released at a later date.

2. Primary Teacher Education (PTE)

3. Early childhood Teacher Education

NB:  The 2021 Academic Calendar will be released at a later date.

Please note the following:

1.   All Teacher Training  Colleges shall engage  with trainees  to build confidence  about

COVID-19  preventive  and  control  measures  to  ensure  health  and  safety  of  the college Community.

2.  Teacher  Training   Colleges  shall  ensure  availability  of  clean  running  water   for drinking  and handwashing.

3.  Teacher Training  Colleges shall maintain  updated  bio-data  of all trainees  and  staff and contacts  of their  parents/guardians for easy management of COVI-19 related emergencies.

4.  All Teacher Training  Colleges shall  ensure  trainee  transportation  in  the  College buses  comply  with  the  Legal Notice  No.  50  of  6th  April,  2020  which  licenses vehicles  to  carry  not  more  than   50% of the  capacity  or  as shall  be  advised  by relevant authorities  from time to time.

5.   Colleges shall ensure  adequate  security and safety measures,  including  provision of a  fence/barrier  and  guards   to  restrict  unauthorized entry  into  (and  exit  from) institutional  premises. Visitors shall be restricted to all training  institutions.

6.  All  Teacher   Training   Colleges  shall   provide   adequate   liquid   soap,   cleaning detergents  and disinfectants to ensure proper hygiene practices.

7.  AII   Principals   of  Teacher  Training   Colleges  shall  ensure   daily   cleaning   and disinfection  of surfaces and  objects  that  are  frequently  touched  by  many  people (stair  railings,   desk  tops,  knobs,  light  switches,  walls,  desks,  door  frames  and window handles, teaching  and learning  materials).

8.  Teacher  Training  Colleges shall put  up signs and  posters that  require and  remind staff, trainees and visitors to maintain  social distancing  as well as hand washing  and personal hygiene.

9.  All Principals of Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure proper use of facial masks or face shields that must be worn by trainees and staff at all times.

10. Principals  of Teacher Training  Colleges shall  ensure educational  facilities that were used as quarantine centers are disinfected  and confirmed  safe and ready to resume operations.

11. All Principals of Teacher Training  Colleges shall ensure availability of temperature guns for daily monitoring of body temperature for all trainees and staff.

12. Training Institutions  shall strengthen  guidance  and counselling  services and provide psychosocial support to trainees and staff.

13. All   institutions   shall   develop   clear   and   specific   institutional    based   policies, procedures  and  processes for prevention  of spread of COVID-19 in line with the guidelines on health and safety protocols.

14. Institutions  shall   establish   mechanisms   for  mental,   psychosocial   and   spiritual support to learners, staff and parents,

15. Teacher Training  Colleges shall revise rules and regulations  to be responsive to the changes occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic  including  consideration to trainees and staff with preexisting  conditions, most vulnerable trainees and those living with disabilities.

16. Each  Institution  shall  constitute  a  COVID-19  Response  Committee  and  maintain strong  networks with  the nearest health  facility, the County Rapid Response team, National   Government  Administrative   Office   and   nearest   Education  Office  to strengthen  surveillance mechanisms.

17. All training  institutions shall align their reopening  plans in respect of infrastructure, water and sanitation and hygiene preparedness.

It should be pointed  out that the country  is still at risk of the COVID-19  Pandemic hence the need for strict adherence  to all Government mitigation  protocols at all times. Detailed guidelines and protocols for colleges reopening  and continued  studies are accessible on the Ministry of Education website.

You are required to strictly adhere to the reopening  dates and protocols.

Dr. Belio R. Kipsang, CBS

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY