KENYA: Constituent College of CUEA Launches Academic Year 2020-2021
Vice Chancellor Designate Prof. David Wang’ombe, TUC
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Tangaza University College (TUC), a constituent of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has launched the new academic year 2020-2021 which will be conducted virtually for all students to ensure continuity of teaching and learning.
Addressing the students, staff and other stakeholders who attended the convocation Eucharistic celebration on Friday, August 21 physically or virtually to mark the new academic year, the Vice Chancellor (VC) Designate Prof. David Wang’ombe clarified that “virtual teaching and learning has been encouraged and approved by the Ministry of Education and the Commission for University Education so long as it is done within the standards and guidelines provided for open distance and e-learning.”
He assures all stakeholders that TUC has “religiously” followed the guidelines hence the students will begin classes on Monday, August 24.
Besides, Prof. Wang’ombe took the opportunity to clear any doubts about online learning saying, “Some of our partners monitor the quality of education and the tools we use for learning especially the Pontifical Urbaniana University who accredits Theology program.”
“I am happy to inform you that the remote learning we are using is approved by our partners especially the Urbaniana University,” he disclosed.
According to Prof. Wang’ombe, COVID-19 pandemic has redefined how things are done and hence “reawakened” universities to rethink their role in society.
“University is a function and not just the buildings in the institution. It is a function of knowledge sharing, of knowledge creation and of using knowledge for community transformation and engagement,” Prof. Wang’ombe continued.
In this case, “Universities ought to be carrying out their functions in the new normal and that is what we are challenged to appreciate that technology offers a viable solution by providing alternatives to the traditional classroom-based learning leading to a non-stop study which can be done anytime and anywhere.”
The University college has promised to support some few needy students facing challenges of remote learning by providing them laptops they received from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit one of the 22-religious congregations who own TUC so the students can catch up with the new learning system.
Prof. Wang’ombe disclosed that the management board is soon to come up with ways on how to help students with other disabilities especially the virtually impaired students.
“Even though COVID-19 has challenged us, we have to be innovative and solve the problems for people with various disabilities in the university. The management board is very much concerned about ensuring that all students with different backgrounds and disabilities access quality knowledge.”
The VC further asked for more help from well-wishers to help them extend support to more challenged students.
