Theme: Nurturing an Evidence Culture in the Implementation of Competency-based Curriculum - Post-Covid
The 2021 EE4A Biennial Conference
The inaugural event was convened on 25th and 26th November 2021 at Merica Hotel in Nakuru where the two-day model was adopted for paper presentation and sessions that focus on sub-themes as policy makers in attendance provide input. This year’s conference subthemes included evidence and use of evidence; children and youth inclusion; and technology. Focus was also on policy – for review, implementation and as asks.
The keynote speaker during the fourth EE4A conference held at Sawela Lodges in Naivasha on 25th -26th November 2021 was Dr. Beatrice Akala, (University of Johannesburg). A high level panel was also moderated on resolving issues in the CBC/CBET implementation and 35 papers presented on the various sub-themes attracting input from evidence producers and actors
Dr John Mugo
Executive Director, Zizi Afrique
Conference chair, Dr. John Mugo opened the event by recognizing guests and stakeholders present; and thanked the planning and coordination committee for delivering the event, terming the arduous preparations a sacrifice. He also observed that the fourth E4EEA was unique since it was being convened in the wake of Covid 19 and was both physical and online. He highlighted how the forum was conceived in 2015 as an idea among colleagues, sparked the need for coordinated access to research work in the education field. It was an obvious hindrance among evidence producers and something had to be done about it.Dr. Mugo emphasized that the event is part of a continuous process and that deliberations made will be pursued further by relevant institutions
Dorothy Kimathi
Regional Learning Initiative Coordinator
Mrs. Kimathi observed that RELI is a 70-member strong organization in East Africa with focus on inclusive quality education for all Africa children – leveraging knowledge, evidence and expertise to influence education policy and practice. She recognized RELI members present at the event both physically and online and elaborated they partner for peer learning, knowledge building and influencing policy and practice. She further noted that the organization had cultivated a culture of evidence sharing, always in touch with partners to advance evidence-based research agenda on learning.“Time is now to secure the best future for our children,” she noted.
Dr. Beatrice Akala
University of Johannesburg
Dr. Akala complimented conference organizers for the platform to advance dialogue around education reforms in the country. She observed that her scholarship interests include social justice hence her interest in issues related to inequities and inequalities in education. She recounted challenges encountered upon settling in South Africa where they had to encounter and adjust to the country’s education curriculum similar to Kenya’s current CBC.She further noted the need to showcase research done and put It into practice; and the essence of empowering learners with entrepreneurial skills. That Competency Based Curriculum is well intentioned bound to empower learners with vital skills, adding that existing policy gaps can be identified and be dealt with.