The Mountain Journal
A non-governmental organization (NGO), Path to Russia, has partnered with ICS Technical College to offer free Russian language training to students.
The programme is a free three-month online course taught by native Russian-speaking tutors, providing Kenyans with an opportunity to acquire Russian language skills while promoting educational and cultural exchange.
Speaking during the ICS College inter-campus games, sponsored by Path to Russia and attended by students and staff from the Nairobi, Thika, and Malaa campuses, ICS Chief Principal Michael Nyamweya said the language course would open up employment opportunities for skilled Kenyans seeking jobs in Russia and other Russian-speaking countries, where language has often been a major barrier.
“Language has been a barrier and a hindrance to accessing job markets and other opportunities in that region,” he said.
Nyamweya explained that the course will be examined at the intermediate level, adding that it is open to current ICS students, while other interested applicants can register in subsequent intakes.
He said the first cohort is scheduled to begin classes on July 13.
Nyamweya welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), saying the partnership would benefit the college through increased publicity and student enrolment.
“We expect students who are interested in exploring overseas job opportunities to know that they now have more options. We believe this will encourage more students to enrol in the course,” he said.
Path to Russia Chairperson Charity Mueni said the programme aims to expand the teaching and learning of foreign languages in Kenya.
She noted that the NGO’s partnership with Moscow National Polytechnic will enable native Russian speakers to teach Kenyan students.
“This free three-month programme will be conducted online, and we hope to introduce physical classes in the future.” she said,
Path to Russia has also signed similar Memoranda of Understanding with Michuki National Polytechnic in Murang’a County and Ngenyilel TVET in Uasin Gishu County.
The event was held at river bank primary in Nairobi county. The signed mou is for Russian language which is to start in the institution on Monday next week. We are targeting to educate 40 students for a free course in the ICS technical college. We have a similar MOU with Michuki National Polytechnic and Ngenyilel TVET in Murang’a and Uasin Gishu counties respectively.
The programme is to broaden the scope of foreign language in Kenya. We are in partnership with Moscow national polytechnic in Russia to provide us with native language speakers to help in the learning process of the student. The programs will be hosted online and later physical classes will begin. It is a three month free course at ICS.
