On 23-26 March, 2025, we participated in the 2025 Comparative International Education Society (CIES) 69^th Annual Conference that took place in Chicago, USA, under the theme: Envisioning Education in a Digital Society. Together with counterparts in the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI) Africa, Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) and People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network we presented on the following panels:

a)       A panel discussion on ‘What works in adolescent skills: How evidenced, localised solutions are equipping young people with the skills that Africa needs’ that took place on 23^rd March 2025. The session emphasised the need for evidence-based, local solutions to teach young people 21st-century skills. It focused on training teachers, updating curricula, and involving governments to prepare young people for work and life. Continuous evaluation and feedback were also deemed essential for effective, lasting life skills education. Our presentation on the panel was titled ‘Building capacity to assess and nurture adolescents' life skills [& Values]: Insights from an East African initiative’ can be accessed here

b)      A panel discussion on Equipping Learners for a Dynamic Digital Future: Insights from Integrating 21st Century Skills in East Africa’s Education Systems that took place on 26^th March 2025. The panel focused on developing and implementing frameworks through ALiVE that have potential to strengthen teacher education, curriculum and assessment systems in East Africa to cultivate the skills and values that young people need to thrive. The full panel presentation can be accessed here

Thanks to everyone who participated in our sessions, as well as those whose sessions we had the privilege to attend and learn from. Strengthening our education systems to create environments where all children can develop foundational literacy, numeracy, life skills and values – essential for further learning, work, and a meaningful life – demands collaboration and shared insights. We are truly thankful for this experience. Looking forward to reconnecting at the 2026 CIES conference in San Francisco!