Empowering Youth through Student Teacher Program

This month, we will be selecting the next class of Student Teachers. The Student Teacher Program is aimed at tackling two major problems that face our community: dedicated, smart young adults unable to continue their education due to financial constraints and a limited number of teachers available to give primary school students the individual attention they need. Each year TCF selects a group of Form Four or Form Six graduates who cannot afford to continue their education to live with us at the Rift Valley Children’s Village, teach at our partner schools, and help provide our children with the support they need. After spending one year with us, each Student Teacher is supported through three years of college in a field of their choice.

As we prepare to welcome a new class of Student Teachers, we sat down with Silvester Vicent to learn more about his year in the program, his success, the challenges he faced along the way, and what about the future makes him most excited. 

Q: What did you enjoy most about your time as a Student Teacher?

A: I liked living with the kids and getting to know them. I also appreciated the many things RVCV gave me like the opportunity to improve my English, the free health care, delicious food, and more. The opportunity to continue my studies is a dream come true. 

Q: What did you learn during your year?

A: I learned how to take care of children and how to be a mentor to them. I also learned how to meet and connect with people from all over the world. Finally, I learned how to be responsive and the importance of punctuality. 

Q: What were some of the challenges you faced as a Student Teacher?

A: At first I was very shy meeting new people, especially people from such different cultures and places. Also, little children can always push your patience, but it was a great life lesson! 

Q: What do you most look forward to about the future?

A: I am so excited to study my dream courses while working towards being a medical lab technician. I can’t wait to start college! 

TCF is so grateful for all of Silvester’s hard work and his commitment to the kids at RVCV. We will miss him terribly but are thrilled to support his post-secondary education and know his future will be bright!