.png){kind=small}
By Gloria Mairura, Business Development Manager at Resilience Action International,
As a youth empowerment enthusiast, I have had the privilege of working directly with displaced youth, focusing on improving access to education and vocational training in challenging environments like Kakuma Refugee Camp. Attending the inaugural East African Regional Education Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, offered an incredible opportunity to share the impactful work we’re doing and to learn from other professionals and organizations across the region. This blog post reflects on my experience at the conference, the lessons learned, and the potential for future growth in the field of education across East Africa.
A First-of-Its-Kind Inaugural East African Community Regional Education Conference Gathering
The inaugural East African Community Regional Education Conference was a first-of-its-kind gathering, uniting education leaders and stakeholders from across the region. Hosted at the Arusha International Conference Center (AICC), the event was organized by RELI and the PAL Network, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners, and brought together representatives from Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, and beyond. Notably, the Vice President of Tanzania graced the event, along with delegates from across East Africa, creating a powerful platform for regional collaboration.
The meticulous planning of the event was clear from the start. The choice of location ensured safety and convenience for international and regional participants alike. The global reach of the conference was evident in the diversity of attendees, including research companies and higher learning institutions from as far away as China. As the first-ever event to include members outside its network, the conference truly marked a new era of educational cooperation.
Showcasing Resilience Action International’s Work
I was proud to represent Resilience Action International (RAI) at the conference, where we showcased our work on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for youth and adolescents in Kakuma. Our exhibit, “Enhancing Language Learning and Youth Employability: Success Stories from Kakuma Refugee Camp,” was scheduled for the last day, which posed an interesting challenge.
The conference had hosted a gala dinner the night before, which created a celebratory atmosphere. However, this also led to many participants departing early, leaving Thursday’s exhibits with a somewhat subdued energy. Despite this, our team engaged with attendees, fielding questions about the situation in Kakuma Refugee Camp and sharing insights into our educational programs for displaced youth.
Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Improvement
The conference was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and gain insights into the latest developments in early childhood education, the competency-based curriculum, and TVET across East Africa. I had the privilege of speaking with experts in the field, who shared their knowledge and research findings with great enthusiasm.
That said, as a first-of-its-kind event, there were areas that could be improved. For future conferences, I would suggest spreading out the exhibits over several days to allow for greater visibility and engagement. Hosting major activities like the opening ceremony at the start of the event would ensure minimal disruptions to the workshops, and holding the gala dinner on the final evening would provide a more fitting close to the conference. Equal opportunities for all participating organizations to showcase their work is essential to the success of any event, and ensuring that no exhibit or presentation goes unnoticed will only enhance the experience for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this milestone conference, it is clear that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive, and Lifelong Learning in East Africa,” is not just a slogan but a call to action. The efforts made by various stakeholders to improve educational access and quality are commendable, and it is my hope that this conference becomes a regular fixture in the regional calendar, providing a platform for continued collaboration and progress.
The inaugural East African Regional Education Conference has set a strong foundation for future gatherings. With a few adjustments, the next event can build on this success and ensure that all participants—both large and small—have the opportunity to contribute to the collective mission of advancing education across the region.
If you appreciate the perfect combination of style and comfort in your athletic apparel, then you will love our extraordinary collection of Sport Tek shirts. Designed to elevate your workout wardrobe to new heights of comfort and sleekness, our Sport Tek t-shirts are the perfect choice for those who want to carry a stylish look without compromising comfort. With advanced moisture-wicking fabrics and innovative breathability features, our men Sport Tek shirts keep you cool, dry, and at ease. Our extensive collection includes a wide range of options, including Sport Tek long sleeve shirts, Sport Tek Dri Fit shirts, and more, crafted to meet the rigors of an active lifestyle. Our Sport-Tekt-shirts for men are your unrivaled companions for workout sessions.