In Embu County, local artisans are calling upon the government to bring about significant changes in the education sector. Their plea goes beyond acknowledgment and are now pushing for empowerment by obtaining licenses to pass down their time honored skills to enthusiastic school graduates. These craftsmen dream of a future where traditional craftsmanship plays a role in sustaining the economy creating endless opportunities for future generations.
Under the leadership of Nyagah Musinga, a carpenter in the community, these artisans paint a vivid picture of a society enriched by artisanal mastery. They stress the importance of integrating their knowledge into the educational framework known as the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). For them this integration isn’t about preserving traditions; it’s about sparking innovation and reviving economic growth.
Central to their plea is a longing for recognition and validation of their craft. They advocate for a certification system that acknowledges trainees skills as well as empowering them to market their creations. By infusing craftsmanship into education, they envision a world where discarded materials find new purpose and traditional artifacts transform into profitable goods.
The craftsmen suggest a partnership between Technical Vocational Training Institutes (TVETs) and local artisans. They imagine TVETs as hubs of creativity and teamwork blending age wisdom with contemporary techniques. Through alliances they aim to integrate traditional crafts into the educational landscape enhancing learning opportunities and nurturing a new generation of skilled craftsmen ready to shape tomorrow.
In their story, classic stools, chairs, mats and cooking vessels emerge not just as relics, from the past but also as symbols of potential. They picture a future where artisanal chairs crafted locally replace their plastic counterparts offering strength, eco friendliness and affordability. These chairs could grace schools, churches and homes in areas showcasing the resourcefulness of traditional craftsmanship.