The Director General (DG) in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi, has said accurate information has the potential to effectively enable learners to get quality education in school systems in Africa.
Abdi said using evidence from education research could help governments develop policies, programs, and projects that significantly improve foundational learning and ensure children can understand the curriculum without delay.
The DG spoke during a press conference on the sidelines of the International Working Group (IWG) launch at a Nairobi Hotel Wednesday. The event was organized by Education.org, an independent, non-profit initiative dedicated to bringing the best available evidence to education leaders worldwide.
The workshop aims at creating linkages between education research and the education policy-making process in Africa. The DG General said Kenya, like other African Countries, has made considerable investments in education.
He, however, said more than access to education was needed. “We must ensure that the children who get into the school learn,” he said, adding that if they cannot read, they cannot learn anything.
He said using evidence from research can improve the quality of education if it’s used to make educational policies.
The Chief Executive Officer of Education.Org, Dr. Randa Grob-Zakhary, said the organization aimed to harness evidence from education research and analyze it for use by national education systems in policy formulation.
“Greater use of the invaluable experience and insights of African practitioners and researchers, will lead to improved education policies and better outcomes for children and young people in Kenya and around the world,” she said.
The IWG has 35 delegates from 17 countries – nine of which are African – reflecting the interest in the work of the group for education policy-making and practice on the continent.
Managing Director Africa at Education.org, Dr. Kilemi Mwiria, said Education Org worked with National Education for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK) on accelerated learning for children in Northern Kenya to ensure continuity in education for school-going children in the area.