Arise Media 
St. Augustine Teachers Training College in Ishiara, Embu, is set for a major transformation with the anticipated introduction of new academic programs beyond its traditional teacher training courses.
The move is part of a broad reform agenda launched by a newly inaugurated Board of Management, dubbed the Board of Hope since it has been launched in the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
Rt. Rev. Peter Kimani, the Bishop of Embu, unveiled the board with a clear mandate of expanding academic offerings, raising student enrollment, and enhancing infrastructure at the Catholic-sponsored institution.
“We are here to bring hope to the college, to learners, and everyone. We hope to see degree and master’s courses introduced in future, and we urge young people to enrol for quality training,” he said.
He expressed concern over the low enrolment of male students in teacher training colleges and urged young men to take up teaching as a noble profession.
“Many of us were taught by male teachers. There’s no reason young men shouldn’t take up the responsibility to teach and shape future generations,” the Bishop said.
The new board, composed of professionals from diverse backgrounds, will serve a three-year term. Its chairperson, Rev. Fr. Alex Mati, called for unity and teamwork to realize a lasting impact.
“It’s not about the chairman or secretary. It’s about the team. Through unity, we will achieve great transformation,” Fr. Mati stated.
College principal Rev. Fr. Isaiah Njiru, who also serves as the board secretary, said the institution is affiliated to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) to offer a diploma in counselling psychology.
He announced plans to introduce Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and customized short courses tailored to local community needs.
“Being in a Catholic institution offers holistic education—academic, moral, spiritual, and life skills. We form not just learners but role models who can guide others well,” Fr. Njiru noted.
The transformation initiative is expected to position St. Augustine TTC-Ishiara as a premier institution of higher learning in the region, with a strong emphasis on holistic education and community-centered training.
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