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How can IDRC better incorporate education

research in its programs?

presented by

Kathryn TOURE,Educational Research Network for West and Central Africa

(ERNWACA / ROCARE)

for

Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Matrix Meetingof the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

20-22 January 2004Dakar, Senegal

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INTRO: Research processes• IDRC Advantages (grantee point of view)

– Stakeholders identify research priorities– Works regionally, across national and linguistic

borders– Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration– Has regional offices on the continent

• Need more IDRC support– Management of research, sharing best practices,

learning networks– Publication (i.e. better knowledge management,

better support for “closing the loop”)

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Outline

• Why education?

• African education statistics

• Education challenges

• Researchable issues

• Questions for small group discussions

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Why education?

• Empowers individuals to make personal and social choices

• Foundation for nation-building and development of democratic institutions

• Improves health• Can encourage environmental responsibility• Can contribute to sustained economic growth

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Africa education statistics

• Early childhood development

• Quality education for all

• Adult literacy

• Gender equality

Click for one-page Word document: Africa education statisticsin relation to international objectives for 2015 (set in 2000)

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Education challenges• Quality of teaching, lack of teachers• Equitable access, including girls/women• Lack of materials• Local languages as medium of instruction• Pertinence of curriculum• Reform implementation• Overemphasis basic education (vs. secondary/higher,

lifelong learning, non-formal, TEVT, etc.)

• HIV/AIDS• Financing/management

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Who does the research?

• Ministries of education• Bilateral, multilateral, UNICEF, UNESCO• Regional/African institutions: ERNWACA,

ERNESA, SACHES, SAQMEC, PASEC/CONFEMEN, ADEA Working Groups, CODESRIA

• EPSI/SADC, UEMOA+ECOWAS/CEDEAO

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Researchable issues, IDRC area ofEnvironment and Natural Resource Management

• Integration of environmental issues into curriculum

• Biodiversity education

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Researchable issues, IDRC area ofICTs for Development

• ICTs to:– improve the quality of teaching and

learning– train more teachers (distance education)– improve the quality of school management– build African research capacity and

promote African expertise

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Researchable issues, IDRC area ofSocial and Economic Equity

• Civic education for good governance

• Education sector corruption

• Aid policy/practice

• HIV/AIDS impact / education response

• Decentralization, intesectoral lessons on women's empowerment

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Researchable issues, IDRC area ofTrade, employment, competition

– Transition from school to work– What education for greater national

competitivity?– What human resources for Africa in 2020?

in 2050?

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Questions for Small Groups

• What should the relationship be between IDRC strategy and pressing education issues on the African continent?

• Please identify key education research issues in relationship with IDRC program initiatives.