Education

The African School of Governance (ASG) has successfully concluded a high-profile presidential tour across major African cities.

Led by ASG President Professor Kingsley Moghalu, the tour introduced the continent’s newest and most ambitious institution, set to train the next generation of African leaders.

The tour, which spanned key cities including Nairobi, Lagos, Cairo, Maputo, and Abidjan, garnered significant attention from government officials, policymakers, academics, and future changemakers. Professor Moghalu emphasized the transformative potential of ASG, declaring, “In ten years, the question won’t be what you studied or where. The question will be, have you joined ASG?”

ASG has partnered with renowned institutions such as the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, positioning itself as a trailblazer in governance education. The school’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is uniquely African in context and content, focusing on ethical leadership and innovative governance solutions.

The MPA program, designed for mid-career professionals aged 25 to 50, equips leaders with tools to reimagine governance. With tuition set at $15,000 per year and generous scholarships available, ASG ensures accessibility for talented individuals across Africa. Recruitment for the inaugural cohort is underway, targeting 40-50 visionary leaders.

ASG envisions becoming the go-to institution for African transformation. Beyond academics, the school offers immersive case studies, executive training, and direct engagement with policymakers. By 2027, ASG plans to expand into corporate governance and public finance.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, leads ASG with a deep conviction in effective governance and quality education.

He envisions ASG as the catalyst for a leadership renaissance in Africa.

To be part of this historic journey, visit www.asg.ac and join the first cohort, shaping Africa’s future from within.

As digital technologies transform classrooms worldwide, the ball-point pen remains a vital tool in learning and literacy development, a timely reflection as BIC marks its 75th anniversary.

When Marcel Bich was introducing affordable ballpoint pens in the post-war era, he was responding to a practical need in the market. What followed was a quiet revolution in access to writing instruments that coincided with global expansions in education. For three-quarters of a century, ball-point pens have remained fundamental tools in classrooms around the world, even as educational methods and technologies are transforming around them.

The mid-20th century marked a turning point in the accessibility of writing instruments. Before mass-produced ballpoint pens became widely available, writing tools were often expensive, inconsistent in performance, and required significant maintenance. Fountain ball-point pens, while elegant, required regular refilling and cleaning, and their high cost put them out of reach for many families and schools.

The introduction of reliable, affordable ballpoint ball-point pens in the post-war period coincided with the global expansion of educational access. This democratization of writing tools is having profound implications for learning. When students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to functional writing instruments, an important barrier to participation is removed. A child in a rural village and another in an urban center can both articulate their thoughts with similar tools, contributing to greater educational equity.

In our increasingly digital world, research continues to affirm the unique cognitive benefits of handwriting that cannot be replicated by typing. When students write by hand with ball-point pens, they engage in a complex cognitive process that activates different parts of the brain than typing does.

Studies from the University of California demonstrate that students who take notes by hand understand concepts more deeply and retain information longer than those who type notes on laptops. The act of writing with a ball-point pen requires the brain to process information differently, summarizing, paraphrasing, and organizing thoughts in real-time.

This encoding process strengthens neural connections and enhances learning. Every time a student grips a ballpoint pen to solve a math problem, annotate a text, or draft an essay, they are not just recording information but are cementing knowledge in their minds. According to the study, this stimulates brain growth that develops the student’s cognitive abilities, making them better, day in, day out.

The journey to literacy begins with the first mark on paper. For generations, ball-point pens have been the companions of young learners as they form their first letters. As such, the ball-point pen’s role in literacy development cannot be overstated:

Early Writing Development: The physical act of holding a ball-point pen and forming letters helps children develop fine motor skills essential for writing.
Writing Fluency: As students progress, having a reliable ball-point pen that doesn’t skip or blot allows them to focus on content rather than the mechanics of writing.
Confidence Building: When young writers express themselves clearly without struggling with their writing instrument, they develop confidence in their communication abilities.

From the first wobbly letters to perfected essays, ball-point pens are witnessing and facilitating the literacy journey of billions. In many classrooms worldwide, the distinctive blue ballpoint is becoming as ubiquitous as textbooks themselves.

For generations of teachers, the red ball-point pen remains a symbol of the profession, providing feedback, guiding improvement, and marking achievement. When writing instruments are functioning reliably, educators can focus on what matters most: the content of student work rather than the mechanics of assessment.

In regions with limited educational resources, durable and affordable ball-point pens are taking on particular importance. The economics of modern ballpoint pens make them accessible even in challenging contexts. A single ball-point pen can produce 2 kilometers of writing, potentially lasting an entire academic year. This longevity and affordability are making quality ball-point pens critical components in global literacy campaigns and educational initiatives where resources are limited.

The impact of the ball-point pen is extending well beyond formal education. Throughout life, ball-point pens facilitate:
Personal Reflection: Journals and diaries written with familiar blue/black ink capture thoughts and preserve memories.
Creative Expression: From poetry to sketching, the ball-point pen is transforming blank pages into canvases for imagination.
Professional Development: Note-taking in meetings, professional training, and continuing education all rely on the ball-point pen.
Civic Participation: From signing petitions to casting votes, the ball-point pen is enabling civic engagement and democratic participation.

Over the past 75 years, writing tools have undergone considerable evolution, responding to shifting educational approaches and user needs. Manufacturers are developing specialized instruments for different purposes; erasable ball-point pens for young learners making their first attempts at writing, gel ball-point pens with smoother flow for extensive note-taking, and various colors and tip sizes for specific applications. These innovations generally maintain the core benefits of accessibility and reliability while expanding functionality.

Many ball-point pen manufacturers are also beginning to incorporate sustainability considerations into their operations, acknowledging the environmental impact of disposable writing instruments and exploring alternatives that balance accessibility with responsibility.

In an era dominated by keyboards, touchscreens, and voice interfaces, some educators and technologists are questioning the future relevance of handwriting. However, accumulating neurological research is continuing to affirm the unique cognitive benefits of writing by hand for development, learning, and memory retention.

Studies from institutions such as Princeton University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology are demonstrating that the physical act of handwriting engages the brain differently than typing. These differences enhance information processing, concept formation, and long-term retention, suggesting that traditional writing tools will remain relevant in education for generations to come.

As we mark significant anniversaries in the history of writing instruments, we can appreciate how these seemingly simple tools support literacy development across cultural and economic boundaries. The ball-point pen is democratizing expression and enabling countless personal journeys through education, from first letters being formed in primary classrooms to research being documented in university laboratories. The relationship between writing tools and human progress continues to evolve, yet remains fundamentally important to how we learn, communicate, and preserve knowledge.

Rusinga Schools has unveiled plans to launch the Rusinga Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art center for STEAM education and technological exploration, as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

The hub aims to foster innovation by equipping students with critical skills in coding, programming, and robotics. It will also host the Annual Rusinga Hackathon, inviting young innovators worldwide to tackle contemporary challenges through technology.

Since its founding in 1975, Rusinga Schools has established itself as a leader in international education, championing holistic learning and student-centered teaching.

In 2021, the school earned the prestigious Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation, a global benchmark of educational excellence.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations will honor Rusinga Schools’ unwavering commitment to its founding vision of delivering high-quality, values-driven international education.

The occasion will also recognize the contributions of teachers, families, alumni, church partners, and staff who have supported the school over the past five decades.

Addressing the launch of the Innovation Hub during the anniversary celebrations, Rusinga Schools Head Teacher, Mr. Juma Nyamori, underscored the importance of investing in education to prepare future generations.

“For 50 years, Rusinga Schools has nurtured thousands of students who have excelled in various fields. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovation and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. The Innovation Hub reflects our dedication to preparing future leaders who will shape Kenya’s economy and contribute to global progress,” said Mr. Nyamori.

As a founding member of the Kenya Association of International Schools (KAIS), Rusinga has played a pivotal role in advancing educational policy and advocacy in Kenya. The school collaborates with local and international partners to enhance learning quality and shape the educational landscape. Notably, its partnership with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has been instrumental in the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“Excellence in education extends beyond academics—it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals and contributing to national education growth. Rusinga has set high standards in curriculum development, teacher training, and policy advocacy. Our alumni, who excel as business leaders, innovators, and public servants, inspire current and future students to make a positive impact,” added Mr. Nyamori.

In addition to infrastructure and curriculum improvements, Rusinga is prioritizing faculty development through a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme.

The initiative includes teacher induction, professional learning communities, and best-practice repositories to ensure sustained educational excellence.

The British Council’s New Directions conference on Thursday took place in Nairobi for the first time, bringing together over 200 experts from 18 countries to discuss the complexities of language assessment and its implications for education reform.

This landmark event enabled regional stakeholders to connect with global counterparts, fostering collaboration amongst policymakers, academics, and educators at various levels.

The central theme of the conference revolved around rethinking language policy and practice within the continent’s intricate linguistic landscape, home to over 2,000 languages.

Key sub-themes included the influence of assessment policies on multilingual communities, the opportunities and challenges of multilingualism and plurilingualism, and the role of technology in language learning and assessment.

Kate Ewart-Biggs, Deputy CEO of the British Council, emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, “New Directions represents our commitment to equipping African educators and learners with innovative language assessment tools. We support the region’s educational growth and empower a new generation to harness language skills for global opportunities.”

Tom Porter, Country Director for British Council Kenya, echoed these sentiments: “The New Directions conference has explored fascinating insights on the challenges and opportunities in language assessment. We look forward to tracking how the outcomes of this conference can help us all shape a bright future for language learning.”

The conference featured notable keynote speakers, including Wanjiru Koinange, a Kenyan novelist whose presentation highlighted how her book, The Havoc of Choice, reflects multilingualism and translanguaging. Koinange’s work draws on diverse Kenyan languages, illustrating the depth of local narratives through a global lens.

Prof. Leketi Makalela, founding Director of the Hub for Multilingual Education and Literacies at the University of the Witwatersrand, shared insights on translanguaging, introducing the concept of linguistic “Ubuntu.” He explored how assessing multilingual speakers presents unique challenges while emphasizing the inherent value of multilingualism in contemporary Africa.

Discussions at the conference were enriched by contributions from distinguished speakers such as Dr. David Njengere (Kenya National Examinations Council), Prof. Barry O’Sullivan (British Council), and Dr. Harry Kuchah (University of Birmingham). A series of panel discussions examined practical approaches to shaping assessment policies that cater to multilingual communities.

Technology’s role in language assessment was a notable focal point, featuring an expert panel including Dr. Annet Mugisha Kajura (Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda), Mr. Mohammed Mahmud (University Basic Education Commission, Nigeria), and Mr. Kedri Urji (Ministry of Education, Ethiopia), chaired by Julian Parry of the British Council.

Keshav Sreedharan, Regional Exams Director of the British Council, remarked, “This year’s New Directions conference was hosted in Sub Saharan Africa for the first time since its inception. The event allowed language assessment experts to explore inventive ideas on how to influence language assessment policy in our rapidly evolving, digitally driven communication landscape.”

With over 750 million people and a youthful demographic—70% of Africa’s population is under 30—the continent represents one of the world’s most linguistically diverse regions.

As African nations embark on new eras of innovation, trade, and education, the increasing emphasis on harnessing linguistic skills is opening doors for young people and their communities, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the New Directions conference in shaping educational futures.

The M-Pesa Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Embu, has launched a comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarship programme aimed at supporting 1,300 youth from across all 47 counties in Kenya.

The initiative promises to cover all program fees and provides recipients with a monthly stipend to assist with accommodation and living expenses.

The scholarships will facilitate training in a variety of specialized fields, including cosmetology, building and construction, mobile and electronics repairs, repairs of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, electrical installation and maintenance, advanced welding, culinary arts, and information technology. Participants will earn craft certificates, diplomas, and additional qualifications.

Nicholas Kamunyu, a trustee at the Safaricom Foundation, stated, “We are pleased to partner with the University of Embu to launch this TVET Scholarship Programme in recognition of the need to provide access to education and comprehensive training that will empower our youth to access opportunities for economic empowerment.”

The first phase of the programme aims to recruit 400 youth from ten targeted counties: Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Homa Bay, Nyamira, and Turkana. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30.

Application forms can be obtained online at www.embuni.ac.ke or at selected Safaricom Shops within the designated counties, with the deadline for submissions set for 7th October 2024.

Professor David Mugendi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Embu, emphasized the significance of the scholarships, stating, “These scholarships will provide access to a diverse range of programs which have been carefully selected to align with current market demands. Many of these skills, often associated with blue-collar jobs, are foundational. They drive industries, boost productivity, and create pathways to meaningful employment.”

In conjunction with the scholarship launch, the M-Pesa Foundation has commenced construction and renovation projects that will establish a TVET Centre of Excellence at the University of Embu. This initiative aims to enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver quality TVET education, with new facilities planned for phone and computer repairs, cosmetology training, an automotive workshop, a cafeteria, and a Black Soldier Fly farming initiative.