As a Centre of Excellence in the provision of Geo-information and Allied Technologies, Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) through its training section Regional Centre Training Institute (RCTI) has been engaged in disseminating technical skills in the Geospatial field. This year, on 8th February 2021, RCTI admitted new students to pursue Geospatial courses in Diploma and Certificate in Land Surveying, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and Cartography and GIS. The Diploma courses are expected to take two and half years and one and a half years for the Certificate courses after which the students sit for the Kenya National Examination Council.
While welcoming the new students, the Director General Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza emphasized that ‘Education is what remains when all that has been taught or learnt has been forgotten, what the teachers will give you, you may forget it but it will have made you something.’
Fig 1: RCTI admitting new students for January 2021 class on February 8,2021
On the first day of their orientation, Mr. Julius Gichohi-RCTI Chief Training Coordinator emphasized on the need to have self-discipline, determination, focus and purpose in order to succeed. He added that, 'students at RCTI have always succeeded. During the one-week orientation period, new students were taken through a rigorous program which involved motivational talks from various speakers on Drug Abuse, HIV Aids, Life Skills among others.
Fig 2: RCTI Training Coordinator Addressing the new students January 2021 Group
Addressing the new students, the patron of the Drama Club, one of the vibrant clubs at RCTI urged the students to explore their talents through co-curricular activities. He added, ‘talent and education are two things that will make you very successful.’
Like every other orientation program, our students also interacted with staff from RCMRD who gave motivation from an expert point of view. This interaction and mentorship give our students an opportunity to tap into this knowledge and skills. Speaking during the forum, Mr. Ongo -GIS Analyst and a champion of GEO -Hub urged the students to be creative and be part of the Geo-Information Hub which is an incubation for innovative ideas that can spur new developments. https://www.rcmrd.org/about-us/2-uncategorised/652-geo-hub
Additionally, Mr. Makanga who is the Principal Photogrammetrist encouraged the students to utilize the resources available maximumly, including himself who is rich in Photogrammetry skills and knowledge. Other speakers across RCMRD were Julius Gichohi, Angela Too, Dennis Macharia, Stephen Macharia, Martin Murimi, Degelo Sendoba and Claudia Wela.
On their last day of the week, the first years were treated to a welcome party whose aim was to develop networks with the final year students. This also gave in the opportunity for peer mentoring between students which new students gain practical advice, encouragement, support, learn from the experiences of others and increase their circle of friends.
Fig 3: A welcoming cake for January 2021 Group and a leaver’s cake for January 2018 Class
