Tuesday, January 14, 2014

What You Learn at the Polytechnic Institute

Today, Sandy and I spent a couple of hours at the Sigalagala Polytechnic Training Institute, http://www.sigalagalapolytechnic.ac.ke/, about mid-way between Kakamega and Kasavai. 

We were accompanied and escorted by Victor Serenge, a fellow who we met Sunday at the Golf.  He is a young man who has his own microfinance business with 14 employees in Kakamega, Chavakali, and one other town nearby.  Eight of his employees are graduates of Sigalagala Poly and he is generally much impressed with their performance compared to his other employees.

We went to scope the place out, as it is likely to be the focus of our newly initiated vocational training program targeted primarily at Watafutaji orphans who have graduated from high school but have not yet progressed further in the work-a-day world.  As we transition into this new area, we need a local institution with a reputation for success as well as fees CLOUT Cares can afford.  From what we had heard, Sigalagala seemed to fit the bill.

We were impressed with the facility, equipment, faculty, and administration.  From the information we gathered in a couple of hours and what others had told us about the Institute, we judge it to be top notch in its field, even by American standards. 

The deputy principal

Equipment is new.

The grounds are pleasant.  

Tilapia pond

There's even old gold mine and equipment from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s around on display.

Sealed mine shaft

Crusher

The laboratories and workshops are well organized and clean. 

Carpentry

Carpentry

Computers appear to be a bit dated but should be adequate. 

 And the faculty and administration are open, available, and well spoken.  

Bernadette, principal

And, there is even the real possibility that students who did not attend or finish high school could develop marketable skills through certain programs offered.

I just hope that these workers (below) at the Golf Hotel where we are staying are not graduates of Sigalagala Poly.

That's at least 220 volts and possibly 480 powering that drill in his hand as he stands in the pool