By Amoto Ndiewo
The principal of Weru Technical and Vocational Training College Edward Mwagambo Lewa has expressed concern over the low enrolment of local students in the technical institute.
Speaking to Education News on phone, Lewa revealed that the institute only has 150 locals out of the student population of 780.
‘Despite the availability of government subsidy on tuition fees and HELB loans, many youth still opt not to join the institute,’ he said.
He explained that the institute charges Shs 56,420 annually and that the government provides a subsidy of Shs 30,000. He further pointed out that HELB loans are also availed at Shs 40, 000 annually.
‘That implies that a student pays Shs 26,420 per year ,’ said the principal.
He wondered why local students aren’t enrolling at the institute despite its conducive learning environment, which the government has invested millions of shillings into so as to expand the middle level economy.
He added that the college offers technical courses for standard eight students and targets students who didn’t meet the university entry cut off points.
‘We offer certificate and diploma courses in artisan and crafts amongst other courses,’’ said the principal, who initially visited churches, chiefs barazas and mosques to sensitize residents about the college.
The college started in 2017 with an enrolment of 17 students. It has a capacity of 1500 students.
Lewa revealed that Langabaya Assistant County Commissioner Daniel Ndausi organised a stakeholders meeting to address the low education standards in the area.
Ndausi attributed the low education standards to high poverty levels, poor bursary distribution and a bad attitude towards education.
Ndausi also promised to talk to the Members of Parliament to be issuing bursaries on time. He further argued that corporal punishment of students should be reviewed to curb rampant cases of indiscipline in schools.
