Geofrey Kirui, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Trainer at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Mombasa – Kenya, shares his experience when he was attached as a trainer at Arusha Technical College for a one-month program.
In June 2023, as part of the EASTRIP program, I had the privilege of being a visiting Electrical Engineering Lecturer at Arusha Technical College (ATC), Tanzania. With my experience in training Electrical and Electronic Engineering, I embarked on a journey to share knowledge, inspire minds, and empower the future generation of technologists and engineers. This article recounts my enriching experience at ATC, highlighting the impact made, the vibrant academic environment, and the collaborative efforts in advancing education and sustainable practices.
When I arrived at ATC, both the teachers and the students welcomed me with open arms and enthusiasm. The students who had visited us at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic for a one-month course in Solar PV were particularly overjoyed to welcome me in their institution. An attitude of openness and global understanding was fostered by the campus’s display of a melting pot of cultural diversity.
Eng. Geofrey Kirui supervising students in a practical session in the Electrical Engineering workshop
It was evident how eager the students were to learn, and it was encouraging to see how dedicated they were in carrying out practical work. The students responded well to the hands-on activities and interactive lessons, which inspired them to learn more and consider how to put the concepts they had learned to use in real-world situations.
One of the hallmarks of ATC’s approach to education is the seamless integration of theory with practical application. The college’s state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops served as excellent platforms to demonstrate electrical installation techniques. Working closely with the students in these settings allowed me to witness their growth in technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
The EASTRIP program acted as a catalyst for fostering collaboration between ATC and KCNP. This partnership facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practices. Engaging with the college’s faculty members furthered the academic discourse and laid the groundwork for potential future collaborations.
Students in a practical session under the supervision of Eng. Geofrey Kirui
As my time at ATC sadly drew to a close, it became evident that the impact of this educational exchange extended beyond the classroom. Witnessing the students’ growth in both technical skills and confidence filled me with a sense of pride and satisfaction. I firmly believe that these young minds will play a pivotal role in driving Tanzania’s transition towards a more sustainable future.
My experience as a visiting lecturer at Arusha Technical College was rewarding. The college’s commitment to excellence, coupled with the students’ passion for learning, created a dynamic and vibrant academic environment. The collaboration under the EASTRIP program facilitated an enriching knowledge exchange, fostering a lasting impact on both the students and myself.
As I left ATC, I carried with me a sense of hope and optimism for our Eastern African Countries and Sub-Saharan Africa at large: that we can gain more from amongst ourselves if we made our region borderless. Through regional integration, we will have a lot more to gain which will eventually make our regional great. This is our cardinal responsibility espoused in our East African Community Anthem: “Jumuiya yetu sote tuilinde ….. Tujenge Jumuiya bora”.
Mengi Mkina is the Workshop Manager at the Elecrical Workshop, he congratulates Eng. Geofrey Kirui for his passion of mentoring students in the workshop. According to Mengi Mkina “Eng. Kirui was such an intelligent Tutor who knows what students want, he has been here for one month and we have seen the outcome, our Electrical students even want him to remain hear at ATC”.
By Geofrey Kirui, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Trainer at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Mombasa – Kenya.