Dr Anne Hollinshead, Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning and Dr Sarah Cousins, Director of Early Years Programmes, Interim Director of Academic Studies, Centre for Lifelong Learning have been in discussions with a Kenyan Educational Trust – Stadi za Maisha (translates as ‘skills of life’) about possible collaborative activities with themselves, the State Ministry of Education, the County Ministry of Education, Kenyatta University (centre for lifelong learning) and the Kenyan Institute of Special education (KISE).

• Edward Mokua (EM), Coordinator Stadi za Maisha,
• Immaculata Wanjala (IM), Stadi za Maisha,

The aims of the visit were to explore the potential for collaborative or partnership activities including student and staff exchanges / educational tours; discussions about knowledge exchange and research and training.

The Kenyan education system is undergoing a major transition moving towards a ‘competency based curriculum’ and embracing inclusive practice as a philosophy, however, Ministers, Kenyatta University , NGO’s and charities have identified a number of significant gaps in the implementation of the existing policies and several unwritten policies including provision for informal carers and those working with children in 0-4 age range.

The visit was very productive with various meetings taking place, here is just a flavour :

• Meetings at Kenyan Ministry of Education with the Deputy Director, Minister for Special Needs and Inclusion and Minister for Early Years
• Meetings with Nairobi County Government
• Meetings with Director of Kenyan Institute of Special Education
• Meetings at Kenyatta University – Centre for Lifelong Learning
• Visits to Father Richard Early Learning, Kangemi slum.
• Visits to 2 public schools