From Left: Prof. Godia - Education PS, Hon. Mutula Kilonzo - Minister for Education, and H.E Gil Haskel - Israeli Ambassador after signing of the MOU
As Kenya and Israel mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two nations in all spheres continues to remain strong. On Monday, January 21, 2013, a bilateral MOU on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was signed between the Ministry of Education and the Government of Israel, through its international development cooperation agency MASHAV.
The four (4) year agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Prof. G. Godia and the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gil Haskel, and witnessed by Minister for Education, Hon. Mutula Kilonzo.
Education for sustainable Development (ESD) is emerging as a relevant and important principle to be integrated in the school curriculum as it addresses education needs through the establishment of broad teaching and learning processes that emphasize an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, which promotes critical and creative thinking.
Officials from Kenya and Israeli Governments after signing of the MOU
The agreement adheres to the understanding that the promotion and implementation of ESD should become an integral element in school curriculum and that the path to establish institutions based on the doctrine of ESD requires thorough, long-term development and support activities.
The first phase of the planning and integration took place last year in Israel, with the training of KEPSHA (Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association) Principals, and officials from the Ministry of Education.
Over 90 stakeholders have already undertaken this training and this year will see the start and completion of the next phases. In the course of the four year programme, hundreds of Kenyan educators will benefit from Israel’s experience in ESD.