With Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries scoring low in comparative studies such as Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), there is no better deal for them than to collaborate, cooperate and partner in the drive to advance the Africa Agenda 2063, says UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris.
Professor Norris said this during his keynote address at the 26th Annual Conference of the Southern Africa Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) at the University of Botswana on January 16, 2018.
The Africa Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. It builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development.
As such, Professor Norris said with science, technology and innovation identified as key to Africa’s development under Africa Agenda 2063, it was only through collaboration, cooperation and partnerships that SADC countries could actively promote initiatives to build knowledge, human capital, capabilities and skills to drive innovations.
However, the Vice Chancellor regretted that SADC countries had always performed way below the international average in comparative studies such as TIMMS and PISA.
“Conferences of this nature offer us the opportunity to examine ourselves and understand how to change things for the better,” he said. Professor Norris said the theme for the conference – Pursuing Sustainable and Inclusive Quality Education through Research Informed Practice in Mathematics, Science and Technology – was apt given that it was derived from the sustainable development goal number four. The goal calls on all countries to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SAARMTE is a non-profit making organisation which meets every year in January at universities within SADC countries, and its goal is to promote Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (MSTE) research nationally, regionally and internationally. The aim is also to create a context of collaboration, professional networking forums and discourse among MSTE tertiary educators, teachers and upcoming researchers.