The British Council has announced it will for the first time host its flagship New Directions Conference in Nairobi Kenya.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, it was announced that the conference would be held in Nairobi from September 24 to September 26, 2024.
The New Directions Conference aims to showcase innovative language testing and policy work in the region and put Sub Saharan Africa scholars and practitioners on the international language learning and assessment map.
The conference will bring together over 200 participants from 18 countries and will run over two days with a packed agenda featuring high profile experts in the field of language and assessment who will cover a range of topics.
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About the Conference
According to Keshav Sreedharan, Regional Director of Exams at the British Council, this year’s conference will explore the future of English and its usage.
“We will discuss what broader competencies are necessary in a rapidly changing and digitally enabled communication landscape, and how these can be developed and assessed in the future,” said Keshav.
He further added that the conference, will provide a platform to share global perspectives about the future of English with partners, thought leaders, teachers and learners around the world.
Moreover, the conference will explore the theme of Rethinking policy and practice for English in complex linguistic landscapes.
Target areas will include influencing assessment policy to serve multilingual communities, English and modern African identities, multilingualism and plurilingualism opportunities and challenges.
Consequently, the conference will also focus on technology and language assessment and learning in Africa.
British Council’s Deputy CEO, Kate Ewart-Biggs, the Country Director of Kenya, Tom Porter, and the new Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Director, Lucy Pearson, will officially open the event.
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Some of the keynote speakers and panelists expected to attend the event are Kenya National Examinations Council CEO Dr David Njengere.
Others include staff member of University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Prof Leketi Makalela and British Council member, Prof. Barry O’ Sullivan.
About British Council
The British Council is the United Kingdom (UK)’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
Additionally, they support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
This is done by showcasing their work in arts and culture, education, and the English language.
Over 200 countries and territories benefit from their work, with a presence in more than 100 countries.
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