Presenter: Mr. Charles Kado, a WERK member and Headteacher Milimani Primary School, Nairobi

Date: Thursday 8th December, 2011

Time: 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Venue: WERK offices, Elgeyo Marakwet Road, off Argwings Kodhek road

Abstract

Education has been enshrined as a basic human right in our new constitution that was promulgated on 27th of August, 2010. The constitution states that every child has the right to free and compulsory basic education. The right is in tandem with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948. This, therefore, will reinforce the Free Primary Education (FPE) policy began in 2003 by President Mwai Kibaki’s government. The fear is that the expected reinforcement will come when the challenges faced by headteachers, teachers and children in the primary schools have not been critically examined and their views taken into consideration. The primary headteachers and teachers have received condemnation and praise in equal measure either for frustrating the efforts to implement the FPE or for making the initiative succeed so far.

WERK Chairperson's Speech

I am extremely honored to have been elected as the Chairperson of WERK and it is with utmost humility that I accept the responsibilities that your trust has conferred on me. Before writing this letter, I read and thought deeply about the long way as individual members and as an organization we have come to be where we are today. I am especially grateful to my predecessors: Dr. Sheila Wamahiu; Prof. Grace Bunyi and the outgoing Chair, Dr. Sara Ruto for steering the organization from strength to strength to where it is today.

Our organization has achieved much and is greatly respected in the world of educational research both locally and internationally. However, as with any professional organization, it has its challenges and a lot still needs to be done in order to take it to the next level. As I come in office, my greatest task will be to strengthen the organization even more by recognizing that the effective achievement of our vision and mission calls for a more concerted collaborative effort with all members both locally and internationally. This calls for establishing mechanisms by which all members both locally and internationally can participate in the organizations growth and activities. My second concern will be to strengthen systems in the organization and where there are none, put them in place. Finally, I also plan to ensure that WERK takes a more prominent role in advocacy by networking with like-minded individuals, communities, government and institutions.

I am proud of your trust, WERK members, and I will justify it to the best of my competence and knowledge. However, I can only do my best and achieve great things with your help. Let me assure you that in all my activities, I pledge to adhere to the WERK constitution and to be guided solely by its core values. Once again, thank you for your trust in me and my team.

God bless you.

Joyce Kinyanjui
Chairperson, WERK

WERK has been in a historic process of amending  its Constitution.  The New WERK Constitution has finally been ratified by members. Click the link below to find a copy of the New Constitution.

Download WERK Constitution

Initiatives with Wider Participation in Education Awarded in Kajiado County
By Jack Abebe

Women Educational Researchers of Kenya conducted a reality show between the dates of March and May, 2011 under the Education for Pastoralists Program. The show, which saw top three initiatives and an individual get awards for being the most active participants in enhancing educational access, retention and completion in Kajiado County, was one in a style.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 29 June 2011 09:11)

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