“The New Directions Conference will serve as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and developing sustainable solutions that empower educational institutions in Africa.“ –Tom Porter
Nairobi, Kenya- The British Council will host its flagship New Directions Conference starting on 24th to 26th September, 2024.
The uniquely immersive event is expected to convene over 200 participants from 18 countries. As the first one to be hosted in Africa, the conference will attract the professional language testing and learning community, seeking to deliberate on core challenges affecting the education and assessment systems across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Alongside Sub-Saharan Africa regional director Lucy Pearson, the official opening will be presided over by the British Council’s deputy CEO, Kate Ewart-Biggs, as well as Tom Porter, director, British Council Kenya.
Brighter Future for Region’s Education
Themed Rethinking policy and practice for English in complex linguistic landscapes, the conference is customized to showcase innovative language testing and policy work, positioning scholars and practitioners from Sub-Saharan Africa on the global map. Here, the focus will include influencing assessment policy to serve multilingual communities; English and modern African identities; multilingualism and plurilingualism opportunities and challenges; technology and language assessment and learning in Africa.
Keynote Experts and Speaker
Among the speakers expected at the conference are Prof. Leketi Makalela, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Dr. Njengere David, Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC); Prof. Barry O’Sullivan, British Council; and Wanjiru Koinange, co-founder of Book Bunk, as well as the author of The Havoc of Choice. The British Council’s Regional Director of Examination, Keshav Sreedharan, is highly optimistic about the event.
“This year’s New Directions Sub-Saharan Africa conference will explore questions around what English could look like and how it will be used.” – Keshav affirms
Conclusion
According to British Council Kenya Director Tom Porter, by convening educators, policymakers, and experts to exchange transformative ideas, the British Council will reinforce its shared commitment towards creating a brighter future for education in the region.