The 3rd GPE KIX Continental Symposium on Research in Education was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 20-22 November 2024. It brought together policymakers, researchers, and education leaders from across Africa to address challenges in education under the theme: Educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. The symposium highlighted the critical role of innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and collaboration in transforming education outcomes. A wealth of insights and actionable recommendations emerged from the discussions. Here are some of the key findings and takeaways from the event.
1. The Power of Evidence-Based Policymaking
One of the major themes of the symposium was the importance of using research and data to inform education policies. Across Africa, there is a growing recognition that evidence-based decision-making can lead to more effective resource allocation, reduce inequality, and improve learning outcomes. However, a significant gap remains in the availability of context-specific research and the capacity to utilize it effectively. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen research infrastructure and build the capacity of African researchers. The African Education Research Database (AERD) was highlighted as a valuable tool for making research more visible and accessible to policymakers. Additionally, the symposium called for greater collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to ensure that research findings translate into actionable policies. It was strongly emphasized that research should not just sit on shelves; it must inform the decisions that shape the future of education in Africa.
2. Equity and Inclusion: Leaving No One Behind
Equity and inclusion were common themes throughout the symposium. Despite progress in expanding access to education, sub-Saharan Africa still has the highest rates of children without access to education, especially girls, children with disabilities, and marginalized communities. The symposium emphasized the urgent need to address these disparities through specific interventions. Several innovative approaches were discussed, such as the use of assistive technologies to support students with disabilities, community-based programs to reach rural and refugee children populations, and gender-sensitive policies to promote girls' education. For example, Rwanda's efforts to integrate assistive technologies into schools were highlighted as a model for inclusive education. Similarly, initiatives like CAMFED's work in Zambia demonstrated how community engagement and stakeholder collaboration can improve girls' access to quality education. The symposium also emphasized the importance of inclusive curricula and teaching methods that reflect the diverse needs of learners. It pointed out that inclusion is not just about access; it's about ensuring that every child feels valued and supported in their education.
3. Teacher Development: The Backbone of Quality Education
Teachers are at the heart of any education system, and their professional development was a major focus of the symposium. Participants highlighted the need for robust initial and continuous teacher training programs, especially in the context of fast changing educational dynamics. The symposium showcased several innovative approaches to teacher development, including the use of solutions like WhatsApp for teacher training in Zimbabwe and the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Togo. However, there are still challenges, particularly due to limited resources. Many African countries face issues such as insufficient teacher training, low motivation, and high turnover rates. To address these challenges, the symposium called for structural investments in teacher development, including better remuneration and recognition of teachers' contributions to enhance their motivation.
4. Harnessing Technology for Learning
The potential of technology to transform education was another major theme. The symposium showcased how technology can enhance teaching and learning, particularly in STEM education. For instance, robotics have been integrated in Rwandan classrooms while schools in Chad have leveraged AI tools to address gaps in teaching quality. However, there is a concern about digital access, therefore the symposium emphasized the need for equitable access to technology across Africa. Digital platforms like the AKBAL app, designed to support early learning and revision for preschoolers, demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to improve educational outcomes.
5. Early Childhood Education: A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
The importance of early childhood education (ECE) was a recurring theme, with participants emphasizing its role in promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development. Despite its proven benefits, access to quality ECE remains limited in many African countries, particularly in rural areas. The symposium called for increased investment in ECE, including the development of gender-sensitive teacher training programs and the expansion of public pre-primary education offerings. There is an urgent need to raise awareness among parents about the importance of early childhood development.
6. Leadership and Governance: Building Resilient Systems
Effective leadership and governance are necessary for building resilient education systems. The symposium highlighted the critical role of school leaders in creating positive learning environments and promoting student outcomes. Participants also emphasized the importance of decentralizing education management to empower local authorities and promote accountability. The symposium called for the development of robust Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) to improve data collection, analysis, and interpretation. From the discussions, it emerged that quality data is the foundation of good policy and African countries need to invest in systems that provide accurate, real-time information to guide decision-making.