The 15th East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Sports Concluded last week at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. PHOTO|FILE.
” The EAC has made progress in harmonization of Partner States’ education curricula, structures and frameworks, it is however crucial to conclude the harmonization process so that the intended benefits can be attained”- EAC Deputy Secretary General Christophe Bazivamo.
The 15th East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Sports Concluded last week at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
A five day meeting was convened to consider matters related to Education and Training; Culture and Sports; the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC); the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA); and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).
While chairing the meeting, Mr. Samuel Mulindwa the Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministry of Education highlighted the important role of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation in the development of the East African Region.
“This Sectoral Council is of paramount importance in the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol…especially the free movement of people, labour and services,” he said.
Despite progress been made, challenges still remained hindering the attainment of the intended goals of the integration, Rwanda’s education minister urged Partner States to enhance their commitment in finding urgent solutions to the challenges.
“The EAC has made progress in harmonization of Partner States’ education curricula, structures and frameworks, it is however crucial to conclude the harmonization process so that the intended benefits can be attained,” said the EAC Deputy Secretary General Christophe Bazivamo. Reiterating the important role council plays in the implementation of the EAC common Market Protocol especially on the free movement of people, labour and services.
Progress was made in signing Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and the challenges that still face their implementation, “the commitment of Partner States in the harmonization of fees, establishment and operationalization of Regional Centers of Excellence and development of mobility programmes for Academic staff and students will play an important role towards the realization of the EAC Common Higher Education Area”, said Mr. Bazivamo.
Considering Education and Training matters, the Sectoral Council directed the Partner States to enhance sensitization and awareness of the EAC Essay Writing competition to enable more school and students to participate.
