10th UKFIET International Conference on Education and Development on ‘Politics, Policies and Progress’, New College, University of Oxford, Oxford 15-17th September, 2009

The 10th UK conference ‘Forum for International Education and Training’ (UKFIET) was held at New College, University of Oxford, Oxford between 15-17th of September, 2009. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Politics, Policies and Progress’. The bi-annual UKFIET Conference is generally very well attended with presenters coming from all regions of the world especially Africa; Latin America; the Australias; Asia, the Far East, Europe, with the UK and Ireland being particularly well represented.

The Centre for Global Development through Education (CGDE) had a strong presence at the Conference. CGDE had papers arising from the Centre’s projects and CGDE-Irish Aid PhD scholars. These projects are conducted in collaboration with these countries respective Ministries of Education and University/College’s Departments of Education involved in teacher education.

The two projects of interest in Uganda are:

‘Teacher Effectiveness in the Implementation of the Thematic Curriculum in the Primary School Sector’

‘Teacher Effectiveness in Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Secondary School Sector’ while the two projects in operation in Lesotho are:

‘Assessment Practices in the Education System of Lesotho’

‘Identification, Assessment and Inclusion for Learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) towards a National System for Lesotho’.

Arising from these projects, the Centre for Global Development through Education sponsored no less than five papers, based on its Ugandan and Lesotho research and one PhD scholar whose funded through CGDE-Irish Aid/HEA funding. The following are those who presented in the order in which they appeared on the programme:

Drs Rosarii Griffin (presenter & CGDE Director), James Urwick (Research Fellow from CGDE), Mathmoho Khatleli (Lesotho College of Education) and Veronica Opendi (Kyambogo University, Uganda) presented on the topic ‘What Hope for the Dakar Goals? Educational Policy in Lesotho and Uganda since 2000′ under the theme ‘Contesting Expansion and Quality Imperatives’ Chaired by Yusuf Sayed of the University of Sussex.

John Bwayo, Kyambogo University, Uganda; Claire W. Lyons (Presenter), Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland and Linda Clarke, University of Ulster, UK ‘Life Skills Education for Social Competence’ under the theme ‘In Search of the Progressive in the Education Market’ chaired by ‘Halleli Pinson, Ben-Gurion, University of Negev, Israel.

Edith Mbabazi (Kyambogo University), Uganda and Dr John Desmond (with Dr Delan Kennedy) UCC (all presenting under the banner of CGDE) on the topic of ‘Researching the Impact of Science Policy on Practices in Secondary Schools in Uganda’ under the session ‘Researching Policy and Its Implications’. Chaired by Dr Margo O’Sullivan (UNICEF, Uganda) also member of CGDE’s Steering Committee.

Jean Luswata, Buhugiro Primary Teachers’ College, Uganda, H.N. Nsanze, Junja Pt Ugandac, Uganda, Louise Long and Geraldine Magennis from St Mary’s College, Belfast, N. Ireland, on ‘Researching the Implementation of the Thematic Curriculum in Uganda Chaired by Dr Margo O’Sullivan (UNICEF, Uganda) and a member of CGDE’s Steering Committee.

Margo O’Sullivan, Rosemary Rwanyange, Emmanuel Kamuli, UNICEF, Uganda, and Web Ndyabakiha, Ministry of Education and Sport, Uganda, presented on ‘Educating the Teacher Educator: A Ugandan Case Study’ chaired by George Frempong, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa, under the theme ‘Contesting Expansion and Quality Imperatives’

James Urwick, (Research Fellow, CGDE), presented on ‘Free Primary Education’ and Local Communities in Lesotho: the Disadvantages of the Highlands’ chaired by Erika Boak, CfBT Trust, under the theme ‘ The Impact of the EFA on Communities’.

At UKFIET, the opportunities for networking, meeting and conversing with others in one’s area are easily facilitated, with plenty of sessions to choose from in ones given area. The only downside to the conference is the fact that there are so many interesting papers and sessions occurring concurrently, it is well nigh impossible to attend but a selection of the most interesting papers. The plenary sessions were particularly good, with top ranking academics and activists speaking with insight, wit and conviction. If one did happen to suffer from ‘conference fatigue’, there was always the book exhibition for one to loose oneself in. Again, this gave rise to many chance encounters with others working in mutual areas of interest.

Overall, the UKFIET Conference was a great success from CGDE’s point of view as the CGDE got great visibility and publicity. The Centre was well represented (either Directly or indirectly). Our funders too, the HEA/Irish Aid were also very visible and acknowledged at all times. UKFIET is a wonderful conference to attend for anyone working in the area of education and development.