4 Managing and Sustaining a TLC
By Caroline Masara, TLC Administrator, Kisii National Polytechnic
Introduction
Once you have committed support for a TLC from your management, there are number of steps you can take to begin to develop and ultimately manage your TLC.
1. Secure and organize the TLC room
Having a designated spot on campus that is a central location for a TLC is the first step in creating a legitimate TLC presence on your campus. Although space is often scarce, TLC champions should lobby for a user-friendly space in a central location if possible. Initially, the space does not have to be that large (you can expand later) but you will need a space big enough for consultations and resources. The other TLC officers should also have their designated space at the TLC so that they can be available to support the center. Ensure that each person has a comfortable chair and table to use, and provide cabinets with locks to keep files and sensitive documents secure. It’s important to maintain a record of each activity conducted at the TLC for accountability purposes. Prioritize the privacy of trainers. If possible, consider partitioning the room to accommodate each person’s requirements, although an open room may also be suitable in some cases. The person in charge of running the center should have a counter with shelves to keep the TLC books, as it makes it easier to track which trainers have taken a book to read or used within the center. Decorate the TLC room with pamphlets containing information on different messages, services offered at the TLC, workshops, and their invitees, as well as the school service charter and other relevant pamphlets. Make sure to display daily schedules at an accessible point where trainers can easily read them. If roles have been assigned among the staff, clearly display each person’s responsibilities to make it easier for those seeking services to identify the right person for consultations. Including photos of the staff members can also be helpful.
2. Training program
A well-designed training program is crucial for the successful implementation of activities in a TLC. The program should clearly outline the activities, the time frame, the venue, and the timing of each activity to avoid conflicts with other departments. A training program is like a schedule, and can be done for an entire term.
A good program should also include the deliverables that will be achieved within a specified period of time. This ensures that everyone involved understands what is expected of them and helps to keep the program on track.
The person in charge of the TLC should prepare the program and share it with any champions who are supporting the TLC. The champions should then review the program and make any necessary changes before submitting it to management for approval. Once the program has been approved, it should be shared with the Heads of Departments, who can then plan for its implementation.
It’s also important for the person in