MKU enters rare partnerships to benefit coding teachers and nursing graduates
Mount Kenya University (MKU) plans to introduce a short course to train teachers on how to deliver coding lessons. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius JAGANYI, reveals that MKU has struck a deal with tech firm Kodris Africa, to deliver the relevant content.
Kodris Africa is the first firm approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to provide content for teaching coding and computer programming to primary and secondary school learners.
Prof JAGANYI says coding, which features interactive learning, will boost learners’ logical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation skills.
Coding is among the most sought skills in the world today.
Prof JAGANYI explains that MKU will deliver the coding course both on-campus and online, so that pre-service and in-service teachers can learn at their convenience.
The course also includes a CBC-Kodris Africa Integration Matrix that demonstrates the nexus between coding as a CBC Sub-Strand and other learning areas, as well as Teachers’ Guides that help to break down coding in a way that can be easily understood by learners in any Kenyan school setting.
Prof JAGANYI says partnerships are vital in higher education, and asserts that MKU continues to expand academic resources that support students to acquire competitive skills.
MKU recently signed a letter of intent with Austrian organisation, Lebenshilfe Tirol, allowing nursing students from the university and those from Mount Kigali University (formerly Mount Kenya University Rwanda campus) to work in the European nation. The pact, signed by Prof JAGANYI and Lebenshilfe Tirol Vice-President, Mr Georg Willet, gives nursing graduates from the two universities 60 job opportunities.
Prof JAGANYI explains that to be eligible, prospective candidates must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, among other requirements. They should also demonstrate proficiency in German language.
After signing the agreement last week, the MKU VC said: “We are thrilled to cooperate with Lebenshilfe to enable our nursing graduates to work in Austria.”
