Kisumu hosts universities' workshop on talent-based learning

More than 200 representatives from 26 public and private universities have assembled in Kisumu for a three-day workshop focused on advancing talent-based learning.

The workshop aims to refine approaches to fostering artistic talents among students in preparation for an upcoming festival.

World Talent Federation Secretary General, Prof. Humphrey Oborah, emphasized that the forum is placing special focus on music, dance, and elocution to nurture student abilities beyond conventional academic subjects.

“The goal is to learn from Talent Campus on how to effectively implement talent-based learning, especially for students inclined toward fields such as music, sports, and the arts,” Prof. Oborah stated.

The event, taking place at The Africa Talent Campus along Nairobi Road, has drawn key figures from the education sector, including senior directors from the Ministry of Education, university vice-chancellors, and faculty heads.

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As the founder of the campus, Prof. Oborah guided participants in understanding the distinction between talent and competence. He highlighted his involvement, alongside the late Prof. Douglas Odhiambo, in advocating for a talent-driven education model while shaping Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“The original architects of what evolved into CBC were Prof. Odhiambo and myself, yet we were sidelined during its implementation,” he noted, adding that he has remained vocal about the gaps in the system.

Attendees were introduced to Human Anthropo-Biometrics technology, a tool designed to aid in career identification. Prof. Oborah expressed confidence that the insights from the workshop would help educators better guide students toward their ideal career paths, eliminating uncertainty in CBC.

“This initiative has the potential to redefine education by offering diverse learning pathways suited to students’ unique abilities,” he remarked.

The Africa Talent Campus, registered under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institute, offers programs in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, journalism, business innovation, computing, beauty and therapy, music, hospitality, and sports arts.

Kenya Universities Performing Arts Secretary General, Caleb Nyangwono, confirmed that the workshop is also serving as a planning platform for the upcoming universities performing arts festival, scheduled to take place at Maseno University in March.

He noted that student participation in the workshop is providing valuable exposure and helping them develop their talents.