HakiElimu, in collaboration with Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE) and VIA University College in Denmark, has organized the Second International Conference (FECUN), which has brought together professionals from various fields around the world to discuss Education for Self-Reliance.
The two-day conference is taking place at Mkwawa University College of Education in Iringa and includes some participants joining online, where a total of nine topics will be presented and discussed. This year’s conference theme is “Reimagining Education for Self-Reliance (ESR) in the Context of Futures of Education, Culture and Nature,”.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Wilson Mahera, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, on behalf of the Guest of Honor, Professor Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, congratulated Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE) for organizing this conference for the second time, in collaboration with VIA University College in Denmark and HakiElimu. Dr. Mahera added that conferences like this are important for researchers to present their work, network, and learn about contemporary research trends.
He continued to say, "I would like to assure you and the general public that the Government, under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains committed to ensuring the availability of a skilled workforce in Education, Humanities, and Science and Technology to drive the economic progress of our nation."
Presenting HakiElimu's greetings, Mr. Godfrey Boniventura, Head of Program stated, "HakiElimu believes that education for self-reliance is more important now than ever, especially in addressing the global challenges we face today, such as technological advancements, environmental issues, socio-economic disparities, and cultural diversities. All of these require an education system that prepares students to be innovative problem-solvers and critical thinkers, enabling them to contribute to their personal and national development."
For his part, the Acting Principal of Mkwawa University College, Professor Deusdedit Rwehumbiza, said, "This International Conference is an important event as it brings together researchers, teacher educators, innovators, curriculum developers, and other education stakeholders. This gathering will enable participants to learn about new ideas and opportunities and create collaborations that will help address existing challenges in education."
The FECUN project is inspired by UNESCO’s Futures of Education project, which focus on establishing a new global infrastructure of education, which connects education with the notion of ‘commons’ and the idea of creating a new social contract for education that can repair injustices while transforming our visions and images of our futures together.