For the first time, the British Council will host its renowned New Directions Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24 to 26 September 2024. This marks the debut of the prestigious event in Africa, offering a unique platform to unite professionals from the language testing and learning community to address key trends and challenges impacting education and assessment systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Focused on the theme Rethinking Policy and Practice for English in Complex Linguistic Landscapes, the conference will shine a spotlight on innovative approaches to language testing and policy in the region. Attendees will engage with topics such as assessment policy for multilingual communities, the role of English in shaping modern African identities, and the opportunities and challenges presented by multilingualism, technology, and language learning in Africa.
With over 200 participants from 18 countries expected, the two-day event will feature a packed agenda of discussions led by renowned experts in language education and assessment. High-profile speakers include Dr. David Njengere of the Kenya National Examinations Council, Prof. Leketi Makalela of the University of the Witwatersrand, Prof. Barry O’Sullivan from the British Council, and Dr. Harry Kuchah Kuchah from the University of Birmingham.
The conference will be opened by British Council Deputy CEO Kate Ewart-Biggs, alongside Tom Porter, Country Director for Kenya, and Lucy Pearson, the newly appointed Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Director. Plenary speakers and panellists expected at the conference include Dr David Njengere, Kenya National Examinations Council; Prof. Leketi Makalela, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Prof. Barry O’Sullivan, British Council; and Dr. Harry Kuchah Kuchah, University of Birmingham; among others.
Keshav Sreedharan, Regional Director of Exams, British Council, said: “This year’s New Directions, Sub Saharan Africa conference will explore questions around what English could look like and how it will be used. We will discuss what broader competencies are necessary in a rapidly changing and digitally enabled communication landscape, and how these can be developed and assessed in the future. We will also explore the potential changes of language education policy and reform in Kenya and the wider Sub-Saharan Africa region. Additionally, the conference, will provide a platform to share global perspectives about the future of English with partners, thought leaders, teachers, and learners around the world.”
Tom Porter, Country Director, British Council Kenya, said: “The New Directions conference serves as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration, driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions that empower educational institutions. By bringing together educators, policymakers and experts to exchange transformative ideas, we reinforce our shared commitment to creating a brighter future for education in the region. We have a longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Education and support efforts to enhance core skills assessment.”
For more details, visit the official conference page here.
