Ei-iE

UNESCO-BREDA technical workshop on measuring early learning in Senegal

The importance of ensuring access for all to quality early childhood education in West and Central African countries was highlighted at a workshop organised by UNESCO BREDA in Dakar, from 27-28 July. The workshop provided a platform for country stakeholders to discuss early childhood education as articulated within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and within the context of the Measuring Early Learning Quality Outcomes initiative. Stakeholders also formed connections with regional efforts to achieve quality education. Pedi Anawi represented EI.

Teacher unity talks in Botswana, Kenya, and Zambia

The EI Africa Regional Office (EIARC) continues to encourage member organisations to unite at the national level, an initiative piloted by Emanuel Fatoma of the EIARC in Kenya, Botswana, and Zambia.

In Botswana, unity talks were held from 1-3 August involving five unions, including EI’s three EI affiliates: the Botswana Teachers' Union, the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union, and the Trainers and Allied Workers Union.

In Kenya, efforts stalled in early 2016 principally due to the crisis between the government and teacher unions. Consultative meetings started on 12 September between EI, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers.

In Zambia, education unions have invited EI and the Utdanningsforbundet (UEN) of Norway to help them towards achieving unity.

Uganda’s Education Minister announces closure of Bridge International Academies

On 8 August, the First Lady and Education Minister, Janet Kataha Museveni, announced the closure of Bridge International Academies for failing to operate in accordance with national requirements around the provision of education. The Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) urged the Government to remain steadfast in demanding compliance with minimum education standards. Angelo Gavrielatos represented EI at an event organised by UNATU.

Breadth of Learning in Kenya and Zambia

EI’s Martin Henry launched the Breadth of Learning project with KNUT’s Lucy Njura Barimbui from 28-31 August in Nairobi and with Christopher Kyakukaisha Yalukanda of the Zambia National Union of Teachers, from 31 August to 2 September in Lusaka. This work focuses on developing a tool for teachers to check the breadth of learning opportunities available for students in their schools and to monitor the support offered by government to enable them to deliver this. The Kenyan work is focused on secondary schools while primary schools are the focus in Zambia.