GPF Kenya hosts the 3rd Transforming Education in the Global South Workshop
The 3rd Transforming Education in the Global South Workshop, hosted by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Kenya in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Crawford International School, Sunrise Virtual School, Oracle Kenya, Family Peace Association, and UNICAF Kenya, has set a new benchmark in reimagining Africa’s educational landscape. Held in Nairobi under the theme “Transforming Education: Cultivating Lifelong Character and Holistic Growth,” the two-day workshop convened thought leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches to education that could catalyze Africa’s renaissance. The event aligned with the African Union’s 2024 theme, “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century,” encouraging participants to critically reassess education’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
The Transforming Education in the Global South initiative by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) is a bold effort to reshape education systems in developing regions by integrating character development, moral leadership, and 21st-century skills into learning frameworks. Rooted in the belief that education should nurture both intellectual capacity and ethical values, the initiative seeks to equip students with critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills necessary for global competitiveness. By engaging educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders, GPF fosters a holistic education ecosystem that aligns with societal needs, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and encourages peacebuilding. Through workshops, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy, the initiative aims to create a transformative impact in education by addressing systemic challenges, bridging gaps in access, and ensuring that learning goes beyond academics to shape moral and ethical leaders for the future.
In his keynote address, Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President for Education at GPF, highlighted the need for educators to be at the forefront of transformative change. He emphasized that by unlocking students’ potential and grounding them in vision, values, and character, a positive ripple effect that impacts them and society at large would be created. Rev. Fr. Canice Chinyeka Enyiaka, PhD., International Program Development Specialist for Africa at GPF reinforced this perspective, urging participants to envision an education system that nurtures not only intellectual capacity but also moral character.
Dr. Tony Devine gives a presentation
The workshop served as a dynamic platform for thought leaders and educators to delve into critical themes shaping the future of Africa’s education sector. Discussions centered on the African Renaissance and the vital role education plays in fostering a prosperous and self-sustaining continent. Participants explored the true purpose and future of education, reimagining learning as a tool not just for academic achievement but for societal transformation.
A key focus was on the foundation of character development, emphasizing the need to instill moral values alongside intellectual growth. The concept of holistic growth for both educators and students was also highlighted, recognizing that an education system must nurture emotional, social, and ethical development alongside academic skills. Additionally, the workshop examined the importance of moral and innovative leadership, stressing the need for educators and policymakers to model integrity and forward-thinking approaches in their work.
One of the major takeaways from the workshop was the establishment of a Transforming Education Support Ecosystem, a coalition of 15 key stakeholders—including the Ministry of Education, Global Peace Foundation Kenya, Sunrise Virtual School, and Oracle Kenya—committed to revolutionizing education through collaboration and shared vision. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between GPF Kenya and Sunrise Virtual School to accelerate the global adoption of the Transforming Education Model. This partnership will provide educators across Africa access to Sunrise Virtual School’s online training platform, which currently supports over 800 students in classrooms and more than 5,000 registered learners worldwide.
A key highlight of the workshop was the unveiling of the Transforming Education Blueprint, a strategic framework designed to guide national efforts in reshaping education for the 21st century. The blueprint outlines a 10-point agendaaimed at aligning educational practices with societal goals to drive sustainable national transformation. The workshop also marked the launch of Phase 4 of the Transforming Education initiative, targeting policymakers such as Ministry of Education officials, regional directors, and quality assurance officers. This phase aims to strengthen policy frameworks essential for systemic educational reform.
With education at the heart of Africa’s development, the GPF Transforming Education in the Global South initiative seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world challenges. It emphasizes the integration of digital technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership training to equip students with future-ready skills while fostering ethical values and integrity. As Africa moves toward an education revolution, fostering a system that prioritizes both academic excellence and character formation will be instrumental in addressing unemployment, economic development, and political stability. This initiative is not just about shaping students; it is about building a society grounded in ethical leadership, integrity, and shared prosperity.
For more details on the Transforming Education in the Global South initiative, visit: Global Peace Foundation’s Transforming Education Page
