Fostering Cross-sectoral synergies and experiential learning through Communities of Practices and EMIS peer reviews: experiences from the KIX Africa 19 hub

• In Event: Strengthening Education Sector Capacities for Resilient Education Management Information Systems in Africa: Experiences from Five KIX Africa 19 Hub Countries

Proposal

This abstract highlights the KIX Africa 19 Hub’s initiative in fostering cross-sectoral synergies and experiential learning for country delegates from 19 African countries through digital platforms and virtual spaces. In recent years, the landscape of education has undergone significant transformation due to advancements in digital technologies. The KIX Africa 19 Hub, established under the support of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), has been essential in fostering collaborative efforts to enhance educational policies, practices, and systems across Africa. Since its inception in April 2020, the Hub has actively facilitated knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning initiatives aimed at addressing diverse education policy priorities within the region.

Context and Background: The KIX Africa 19 Hub project operates on the premise of identifying and strengthening local expertise while promoting knowledge sharing among education stakeholders. Through targeted interventions and collaborative platforms, the Hub has played a crucial role in supporting countries to navigate challenges in the themes of teaching and learning and teacher support, achieving gender equality, equity, and inclusion through education, strengthening early childhood care and education and strengthening data systems.

Current Landscape and Challenges: The KIX project operates on the premise of identifying and strengthening local expertise while promoting knowledge sharing among education stakeholders. In response to the evolving educational landscape, characterized by rapid digital advancements and diverse learning needs, the KIX Africa 19 Hub prioritizes the establishment of communities of practice (CoPs) as catalysts for transformative change. These CoPs transcend traditional boundaries by bringing together policymakers, educators, and researchers from 19 countries to collaboratively address critical issues facing education. The Hub facilitates a series of initiatives designed to promote experiential learning and knowledge exchange across its network of CoPs. By leveraging digital platforms and virtual spaces, stakeholders engage in dialogue, share best practices, and co-develop actionable strategies to enhance educational outcomes.

As of July 2024, the KIX Africa 19 Hub has conducted over two dozen virtual workshops organized through the CoPs and tailored to the needs of participating member countries. These workshops focused on strategies to bolster teacher resilience and effectiveness amidst challenging contexts, leveraging digital tools for remote teaching, fostering inclusive learning environments through technology, integrating mental health support mechanisms into educational practices, and using timely data for informed decision-making and resource allocation in education. The workshops underscored the critical role of digital innovations in overcoming barriers to education access and quality within the region.

In conclusion, the KIX Africa 19 Hub's commitment to fostering cross-sectoral synergies and promoting experiential learning through CoPs represents a transformative approach to envisioning education in a digital society. By harnessing collective intellect and fostering inclusive dialogue, the Hub contributes to building resilient educational ecosystems that are adaptive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of learners and communities. Moving forward, continued investment in CoPs and collaborative initiatives remain essential to advancing the global agenda for quality education and sustainable development in the digital age.

Author

• Yvonne Risper Atieno Mboya, UNESCO IICBA