15/10/2024
International Education Conference Kicks Off in Nairobi, Championing Inclusion and Quality Learning
Nairobi, Kenya – October 15th, 2024: In a landmark gathering aimed at shaping the future of education across multiple regions, the Principal Secretary for the Department of Basic Education, Ministry of Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, officially inaugurated a highly anticipated three-day international conference today. The event, running from October 15th to 17th at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Upperhill, Nairobi, is hosted by the British Council and has drawn senior education leaders and government dignitaries from across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
With the theme “Policy Dialogue: Leading Inclusion and Belonging in Schools,” the conference is set to address critical issues around educational inclusivity and the equitable access to quality learning for all students, regardless of gender, ability, or socio-economic background. The event promises rich discussions and presentations from thought leaders and global experts in education.
Among the distinguished attendees are the British Council Country Director and a representative from UNICEF's Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO), both of whom expressed optimism about the conference’s potential to generate actionable solutions for systemic challenges in the education sector.
Kenya's Commitment to Free Education
In his keynote address, Dr. Belio Kipsang underscored Kenya's ongoing commitment to education reform through the Free Primary Education (FPE) and Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programs. “Our focus is on ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education that empowers them to contribute meaningfully to society,” Dr. Kipsang stated, setting the tone for the conference.
Gender Disparities and the Role of Education
A key presentation was delivered by Dr. Karen Austine, Director of the Girl Center for Education, who highlighted the persistent gender gaps in education. Dr. Austine emphasized the urgent need for more gender-sensitive policies and programs that prioritize the education of girls, particularly in regions where cultural and economic barriers have stifled progress.
Themes of Inclusion and Language in Education
Several high-priority subtopics were addressed throughout the day, each aimed at fostering more inclusive learning environments. These included:
Inclusion of Pupils with Special Needs – Tackling the stigma and systemic challenges faced by students with disabilities in accessing quality education.
Gender Equality in Education – Focusing on closing the gender gap, particularly in rural areas, to ensure girls have equal access to learning opportunities.
The Role of Language – Exploring how language can either hinder or enhance inclusivity in education, and the need for adaptive strategies to ensure no learner is left behind.
A standout session led by Connie Alezuyo on Language for Resilience delved deep into how language can act as a powerful tool for inclusion, particularly for students in conflict-affected or refugee settings. Alezuyo’s presentation left a lasting impression on delegates, sparking a lively discussion on the need to consider linguistic diversity in educational policy.
Focus on Special Needs Education
Delegates were especially keen on addressing the challenges of educating learners with special needs, with many sharing experiences and strategies from their own countries. A delegate from Uganda highlighted the unique difficulties faced by refugee learners, particularly in adapting to English as the medium of instruction. He detailed how, through collaborations with UNICEF, the British Commission, and Windle International, Ugandan teachers have undergone training to improve their teaching methods, helping these learners transition more smoothly into formal education systems.
Zimbabwe’s Model of Special Needs Inclusion
The Permanent Secretary for Zimbabwe's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education shared inspiring insights into how the Zimbabwean government is working to ensure that every child with special needs has access to high-quality education. He outlined the structural reforms and partnerships that are paving the way for a more inclusive educational framework in Zimbabwe.
Global Perspectives: Sharing Lessons from Across Regions
The conference also featured presentations from delegations representing Nigeria, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Limpopo, Senegal, Nepal, and South Africa, each detailing their respective education systems and how they are tackling the challenges of inclusion, gender equality, and quality learning. These presentations offered invaluable insights, providing delegates with a broader understanding of the global challenges in education and the innovative solutions being implemented in different regions.
Looking Ahead: School Visits and Collaborative Learning
Day 2 of the conference promises to be equally impactful, with delegates scheduled to visit several schools across Nairobi County. These visits will allow participants to engage directly with learners and educators, observing first-hand the quality of education and the challenges faced by schools. It will also provide an opportunity for delegates to explore the practical application of the policies and strategies discussed during the conference.
The conference is set to conclude on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, with a final session summarizing the key outcomes and action points for future collaboration across borders.
A Platform for Lasting Change
As the discussions continue to unfold, it is clear that this conference marks a significant step forward in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in global education. With high-level participation and a shared commitment to inclusion and equity, the event is poised to inspire concrete actions that will lead to lasting change in education systems across the world.
Report by Elimu TV.
