The importance of integrating Somali language and culture into education systems has taken centre stage at the East African Regional Education Conference, with experts calling for greater recognition of language in foundational learning.
Saida Hassan, representing Hindis at the conference, said the organisation focuses on strengthening education systems, particularly foundational learning. She said the organisation presented a case study examining language, literacy and identity among the Somali diaspora.
Hassan said recognising Somali language within school systems could benefit Somali communities by strengthening learners’ connection to their language and identity while supporting literacy development.
She described the conference as an important platform for education stakeholders from across the region to network, share experiences and learn about innovations being implemented in different education systems.
According to Hassan, the conference provided insights into a range of areas, including technology, language and literacy, as well as data collection. She noted that countries in the region are adopting different approaches to improving education, creating opportunities for stakeholders to learn from one another.
Hassan, who is attending the conference for the second consecutive year after participating in the previous edition in Arusha, said the growing collaboration among education stakeholders was encouraging.
She said this year’s conference had exceeded her expectations, citing the emergence of new and innovative strategies being implemented across education systems.
However, she noted that time remains one of the key challenges during such regional forums, given the wide range of topics and sessions covered.
Hassan said participants often face difficulties attending all the sessions because of overlapping programmes and the limited time available.
She nevertheless described the conference as an important opportunity for education stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore innovative approaches to improving learning outcomes across East Africa.
By Fred Azelwa.