St. Augustine Teachers Training College in Ishiara, Embu County, is poised for a major transformation following the inauguration of a new Board of Management tasked with steering the institution into a new era of growth and academic diversification.
The newly unveiled board—dubbed the Board of Hope in line with the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025—has been mandated to expand the college’s academic programs beyond traditional teacher training, increase student enrollment, and improve infrastructure at the Catholic-sponsored institution.
Presiding over the inauguration, Rt. Rev. Peter Kimani Ndung’u expressed optimism about the college’s future, noting that the board carries the aspirations of students, staff, and the wider community.
“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.
The bishop also raised concern over the declining number of male students enrolling in teacher training colleges, urging young men to embrace teaching as a noble and impactful 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,” he added.
The board, composed of professionals from diverse fields, will serve a three-year term. Its chairperson, Rev. Fr. Alex Mati, emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in achieving the institution’s goals.
“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, highlighted ongoing efforts to broaden the institution’s academic scope. He revealed that the college is already affiliated with Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) to offer a diploma in counselling psychology.
In addition, the institution is planning to introduce Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, alongside customized short courses tailored to meet the needs of the local community.
“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 agenda is expected to reposition St. Augustine TTC-Ishiara as a premier institution of higher learning in the region, with a strong focus on holistic education, innovation, and community-centered training.
With renewed leadership and a clear vision, the college now looks ahead to a future defined by growth, inclusivity, and academic excellence.