A new Lasallian technical institute focused on educating young adults in Nairobi, Kenya, opened on May 15, Founder’s Day.
Supported with a grant from the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) and other funders, La Salle Technical Training Institute (LTTI) offers information and communication technology training in three main areas: cyber security, artificial intelligence, and data management and analytics, while also incorporating ethical leadership, Lasallian values, service learning and mentorship for holistic formation.
The program’s inaugural cohort of 25 students began classes in early June during evenings, weekends and online in a renovated facility within the space at De La Salle Center and La Salle Catholic School, which serves students from kindergarten to senior school. LTTI students have graduated from high school and taken national examinations necessary for admittance into a vocational training school.
“This first cohort is a group of the needy of the neediest,” said Brother Paulos Mesmer, FSC, principal of the institute. “They are coming from the informal settlements within Nairobi, particularly from a place called Kibera, a hardship area, a place where sometimes there is no running water or even electricity.”
“When currently La Salle Global is focusing its Lasallian education mission on the peripheries, I cannot think of a better program to serve those who are most in need,” Brother Paulos added. In addition to opportunities for counseling, mentorship, and other emotional-social support, students are provided with refreshments such as a tea and bread and lunch on Saturdays at no charge. In the future, LTTI hopes to provide transportation for students.
The cost for the certificate program is $2,000, and $3,000 for diploma program (equivalent to an associate’s degree). No one is turned away because of financial concerns, said Brother Paulos.
A second cohort of 25-30 students is expected to begin in September.
LTTI is part of a larger initiative to establish La Salle College of Education, Science and Technology on a 10-acre piece of land. The District of Lwanga has “earmarked this initiative as a priority project,” said Brother Paulos.
In its current available space, LTTI would be able to accommodate up to 75 students. However, this number will eventually grow into hundreds of students once new buildings are constructed and LTTI moves into its permanent home.
Brother Dennis Lee, FSC, project director for the establishment of La Salle College of Education, Science and Technology, and Brother Paulos recently were in RELAN to share the students’ stories and raise funds for the college. $2 million is needed to begin constructing the first building. The larger space and new facilities will allow Brothers and Partners to continue to transform students’ lives, lift them out of poverty and prepare them for jobs in the tech market.
To learn more about La Salle Technical Training Institute, read this brochure or visit this website.
To learn more about La Salle College of Education, Science and Technology, visit this website.
To donate to the campaign, visit https://lasalleinternational.org/donate/ and indicate “LTTI/ La Salle College of Education, Science and Technology in Kenya” in the comment section.