January 23, 2008...4:09 am
Setting the Course
Curriculum development for Sebastian Kolowa University College’s inaugural year has engaged educational professionals from around the world. Led by the college’s core leadership, curriculum development involved participants from the United States and later other nations.
This method has been a learning experience for all involved. The process started in 2005 and is still considered a working document.
To understand our process, an observer needs to understand two aspects of this journey. One, each individual participant brought knowledge to each draft of the curriculum. Two, a rich dialog perfected the outcomes.
SEKUCo opened last year using a curriculum – a strong curriculum – that benefited from the expertise and critiques of all parties. The Tanzania team, led by Dr. Honoratha Mushi (pictured below), 
and the United States team, led by Dr. Michelle Macluckie, have worked in collaboration for over a year. These dynamic individuals have created a curriculum that draws on Western special education theories but is transformed by Tanzania and East African cultural experience and educational theory.
One interesting feature of the curriculum is that students will be expected to have the ability to teach in a school for children with special needs as well as the more typical class setting. This means that in 2010 when the first graduating class has finished the curriculum approximately 125 students will enter the general Tanzanian educational system with a strong understanding of special education.
As our staff gathered, students arrived and classes started we realized that some changes will need to be made to make the curriculum fully successful. In December, SEKUCo staff gathered for a staff development seminar. We discussed the adjustments that need to be made.
It is rare that a document such as our curriculum has such importance. There is a clear need for educational excellence no matter where our teachers go. SEKUCo has been given a unique opportunity to use a strong, collaborative method of curriculum development that benefits from Tanzanian, American and European input.
Amani, Amanda
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