A brief history and academic evolution of St. Augustine’s Teachers Training College (TTC) Ishiara from 1991 to date, focusing on its academic programs and affiliations:
- Primary Teacher Training (P1) – 1991 to 2022
St. Augustine’s TTC Ishiara was established in 1991 by our first Bishop John
Cardinal Njue, with the core mandate of training P1 teachers for primary schools.
This program was designed to form Teachers of integrity and to equip trainees
with pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and classroom management techniques
suited for teaching in primary schools. The college played a significant role in
addressing the national demand for qualified primary school teachers until the
phase-out of the P1 program in 2022.
Our college today boasts of a rich cultural and faith diversity among its population.
In addition, values of the Catholic Church are shared among the whole college
fraternity with the aim of transforming our students. With the combination of co-
curricular activities like drama, sports, clubs and movements, the student is
transformed holistically into a morally upright professional, self-driven person who
is ready to serve the society.
As we are aware, immorality has become a cancer in the world today – as
evidenced by cases of rampant corruption, drug abuse, prostitution, suicidal
tendencies, mental health issues and family breakage just to mention a few. In this
regard, St Augustine’s aim at producing teachers who are transformed into persons
of integrity who stands as champions of moral and spiritual values among others
society needs. In addition the College is proud to form well equipped teachers with
Counseling, life skills and Spiritual Skills, thus being able to guide those entrusted
to them through Guidance and Counseling.
- COLLEGE VISSION, MISSION AND MOTTO
VISION
To be “A center for holistic formation and development of educators of outstanding
academic and professional excellence”.
MISSION
In an effort to evangelize through education, St. Augustine’s Teachers Training
College intends to achieve the following:
1) Inculcate the moral and spiritual values for holistic formation.
2) Impact knowledge, skills and practices for academic and professional
excellence.
3) Nurture the Graduates to proactively and effectively transmit the acquired
values, skills and knowledge to students and the community they serve, guided
by the Gospel values and the teachings of the church following the example of
St. Augustine.
CORE VALUES - Integrity: – Doing the right thing at all-time even when no none is seeing you.
- Dignity:- Respect for life.
- Professionalism:- Striving for highest levels of competence and commitment to
work. - Quality leadership:- Focus for Effective Management.
- Teamwork:- Embracing togetherness and collaboration within the college and
all stakeholders in our work. - Charity:- Sharing love to all in day to day living.
- Spiritual commitment:- Putting God first in all things.
- Social responsibility:- Obligation to act for the benefit of the society at large.
The Core Values are the hinges of which St. Augustine’s Teachers College is
anchored. They help in shaping and determining the culture of the institution,
adding value and defining the focus. To achieve efficiency and productivity and
meet the stakeholders demands the above values and practiced.
3
Motto: “Charity in Truth”
- Transition to Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) – 2022 to Date
With the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by the Kenyan
Ministry of Education, teacher education institutions were required to align their
programs accordingly. St. Augustine’s TTC Ishiara transitioned into offering the
following CBC-aligned programs:
Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE), currently Diploma
Teacher Education (DTE-PP&P): Replacing the P1 program, DTE-PP&P
is now the standard qualification for preprimary and primary school
teachers. It focuses on learner-centered methods and the CBC framework.
Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE- Secondary): Formerly offered for
secondary education, this program was restructured to align with CBC
principles. Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE): A CBC-
aligned program for those specializing in teaching specific subjects at the
junior and senior secondary levels. It prepares teachers to deliver the junior
and senior secondary curriculum effectively.
Upgrade Programs (PTE and ECDE): These programs are offered to in-
service teachers seeking to upgrade from P1 to DTE or from certificate to
diploma in ECDE, ensuring that existing teachers meet new CBC standards. - Diploma and Certificate in Early Childhood Development Education
(ECDE)
Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, St. Augustine’s TTC
introduced Certificate and Diploma programs in ECDE. These programs focused
on child development, foundational teaching strategies, and inclusive education
practices. They prepared teachers to work in pre-primary and lower primary levels,
ensuring a strong educational foundation for young learners. Today it has been
merged with DTE-PP&P. - Affiliation with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) – 2013 to
Date
In 2013, St. Augustine’s TTC Ishiara formalized its academic affiliation with
CUEA, one of Kenya’s leading Catholic universities. This partnership enhances
academic quality, ensures certification is nationally and regionally recognized, and
allows the college to offer accredited CUEA programs such as the Diploma in
4
Early Childhood and Guidance and Counseling. I.e. Diploma in Guidance and
Psychological Counseling (With CUEA) – 2015 to Date
In 2015, St. Augustine’s TTC Ishiara partnered with the Catholic University of
Eastern Africa (CUEA) to offer a Diploma in Guidance and Psychological
Counseling. This program is designed to prepare professionals who can offer
psychological support, counseling services, and guidance in educational and
community settings. It is particularly vital in addressing student mental health and
holistic development.
The affiliation also strengthens the college’s Catholic identity and values in
education.
NB/From its humble beginnings as a P1 teacher training college in 1991, St.
Augustine’s TTC Ishiara has evolved into a multi-program institution aligned with
national reforms and educational priorities. The integration of CBC programs,
continued professional development through upgrades, and the strategic academic
affiliation with CUEA underscore the college’s commitment to producing
competent, morally grounded, and professionally prepared educators for Kenya’s
evolving education system.