KICD unveils out-of-class programs for learners

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has enhanced its coverage and transmissions of the interactive radio and television lessons, dubbed Out of Classroom Learning Programme (OCLP).

Learners from pre-primary to secondary levels who are currently at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic can access the digital lessons through the EDU TV channel, KBC radio and the Kenya Education Cloud (KEC).

Following a directive from the Ministry of Education that KICD upscale curriculum delivery through digital and broadcast lessons, the institute has developed additional educational programmes to support learning at home. The content is appropriate for the targeted 15 million learners in Primary and Secondary schools, as well as teachers.

The radio and TV lessons address all the curriculum areas. What is being offered on radio is the same content delivered on the Kenya Education Cloud (KEC). 

The main objective of the Out of classroom Learning Programme is to keep learners busy at home by exposing them to educational content tied to the curriculum during the COVID-19 period. It is not clear for how the learners will remain at home as the government confronts this disease.

Therefore it is only prudent that the learners are not left on their own, to continue handling themselves normally including engaging in group activities, where social distancing is not observed.

The Institute has been working in close partnership with education stakeholders and other organizations in making sure that learners have access to the Out of Classroom Learning Programme.

KICD Council Chairperson, Dr. Sara Ruto welcomed partnership engagements, acknowledging that the Institute has enormous task that needs consolidated efforts to make sure that learning goes on and every child is benefitting from the process.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has pointed out a new feature of digital learning. We need to embrace it for the sake of our children and together we will be able to grow. The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) directed all signal providers to carry the EDU TV Channel and that of KBC radio as MUST carry signals on their platforms,” said Dr. Ruto.

Star Times has a satellite link that can be used to make the digital interactive lessons to learners accessible and available when need be.

KICD Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joel Mabonga said the move and hinted on the available options to engage children who are learning at home.

“We need to go out of our ways to make sure that learning continues even under the current COVID-19 lockdown,” said KICD Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joel Mabonga Dr. Mabonga, adding that the use of mobile phones is available option since its penetration in Kenya is high.

The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) underscores the value of engaging parents in the learners’ educational journey. It has developed Guidelines on Parental Empowerment and Engagement available on the KICD website to guide parents.