From Vision to Reality: The Journey to the Inaugural East Africa Community Education Conference 2024

It all started with a simple yet powerful idea: unite the academia, policymakers, decision-makers and other stakeholders from the East Africa region to align policy with the region’s practical education needs. The African Union’s (AU) declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education in Africa was the perfect catalyst to bring this vision to life through a regional conference. Organizations such as the East African Community (EAC), People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network, African Curriculum Association (ACA), Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI), and Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) joined forces to form the conference planning committee, with the goal of not only celebrating this significant year but also tackling pressing educational challenges facing East Africa.

“By the time I joined PAL Network, the conference planning was already underway, and momentum was building quickly. Before I knew it, I was part of the planning committee, helping to drive our organization’s efforts.” Narrates Brigid

 

As the secretariat, PAL Network took the lead in coordinating activities and managing logistics. Frequent meetings with the different conference committees were filled with lively exchanges of ideas. Slowly but surely, the vision for the conference began to take shape.

As planning progressed, challenges such as coordinating multiple stakeholders across different countries, and securing keynote speakers, among others began popping up like puzzle pieces that just didn’t seem to fit —none of it was easy. It took constant communication, collaboration, wisdom, and many late nights to get close to the vision.

“I recall nights when I was drafting visa letters to support participants’ visa applications and answering conference-related emails, all while preparing and reviewing documents for board meetings that were ongoing at that time. My laptop was surrounded by coffee cups and sticky notes, with some soothing background music to keep me going.” Continued Brigid.  “When I finally sent out the last visa letter, and the board meetings concluded successfully, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that truly highlighted the value of teamwork and dedication.”

After months of preparation, conference participants together with the planning teams packed their bags and headed to Arusha, Tanzania. The journey was long, but the excitement of what was to come kept their spirits high. Arusha’s quiet beauty and calm streets were a stark contrast to Nairobi’s bustling energy. The magnitude of what was about to be achieved over the next four days began to sink in. The conference was actualizing.

The conference opened with grandeur. The Vice President of Tanzania, His Excellency Philip Mpango, officially inaugurated the event, highlighting the theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive and Life-long Learning in East Africa.” He called on the EAC Partner States to improve their education systems to align with the needs of the 21st century. He stressed the importance of adopting global educational reforms that prioritize flexibility and the integration of technology.

“We must invest in education, embrace innovative methods, and provide quality learning opportunities for every child. By working together, we can build an education system that not only meets current challenges but also paves the way for a prosperous future in our region,” H.E. Mpango asserted.

 

Participants included the academia, policymakers, representatives from civil society organizations, government representatives, representatives from multilateral organizations, and researchers; all eager to dive into discussions that would shape the future of education in East Africa.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activities. Panel discussions and workshops explored the conference’s sub-themes, ranging from building stronger and more resilient education systems to Integration of EdTech in Education. One of the most memorable sessions was on data and accountability for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1, led by PAL Network. Many were surprised to learn that since 2015, only one-third of African children have had their learning levels reported, and just one-quarter have had their learning trends tracked. This highlights the persistent foundational learning gaps across East Africa and the broader continent due to lack of data and transparent reporting which are crucial for tracking progress, identifying gaps, and ensuring that educational policies are effective.

One of the special moments of the conference was the gala dinner featuring engaging speeches, delicious Tanzanian delicacies, dances, and the soothing melodies of a live band. The highlight of the night was a series of exciting launches. PAL Network unveiled its SDG 4.1.1a campaign video, “FLED Talk,” while the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI) introduced its new strategy. We also celebrated the launch of a book by Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE). It was a fitting conclusion to a day full of collaboration and celebration.

“As I walked through the quiet streets of Arusha on the final day of the conference, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment.” Said Brigid.

What started as a vision had become a reality, and the conversations that took place would continue to resonate in the months and years to come. The EAC Education Conference wasn’t just an event; it was a significant step forward in the journey toward a brighter future for education in East Africa.