A milestone in African higher education has been reached with the publication of Education Research in African Contexts: Traditions and New Beginnings for Knowledge and Impact, edited by Paul Webb, Mathabo Khau, and Proscovia Namubiru Ssentamu. Published by African Minds and available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, this open-access book highlights the research and insights of current and former DAAD-funded scholarship holders at the East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management (CERM-ESA).
Founded in 2014, CERM-ESA represents a partnership between universities in Germany (University of Oldenburg), Kenya (Moi University), South Africa (Nelson Mandela University), Tanzania (University of Dar es Salaam), and Uganda (Uganda Management Institute). Over a decade, this collaboration has supported over 70 master’s and 15 doctoral graduates, with the aim of strengthening educational systems across East and Southern Africa. The book’s chapters are mostly co-authored by these graduates and their supervisors, reflecting CERM-ESA’s unique model of cross university co-supervision and mentorship.
Exploring the book’s themes
This publication offers a dive into the evolving landscape of educational research in Africa. It is divided into three sections:
- Higher Education Challenges: Insights into systemic issues in African universities, accompanied by innovative solutions.
- School-Society Interactions: Studies exploring the relationship between schools and their communities.
- Critical Reflections: Including a chapter by Michael Anthony Samuel, critiquing external narratives of Africa as needing “saviours” and emphasising locally driven solutions.
A central focus is the development of research methodologies that address the contextual realities of African education, ensuring greater relevance and impact.
Celebrating collaborative efforts
The book is a testament to the dedication of CERM-ESA students and supervisors. Many of the authors have significant teaching experience and pursued their studies to transform educational institutions and improve learning outcomes. Their supervisors guided them in exploring innovative methodologies, contributing to their professional growth.
A resource for academic communities
This free, open-access book is an invaluable resource for DAAD scholarship holders, supervisors, and university staff, showcasing how international collaborations can drive impactful research and strengthen higher education.
To access the book, visit the African Minds website at https://www.africanminds.co.za/education-research/ and explore this free resource.
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