EDITORIAL
The 41st Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) concluded its five-day journey with a powerful final day, marked by insightful discussions, ceremonial moments, and a profound sense of shared achievement. The day's events began with a keynote address that set the stage for a collective vision of educational reform, followed by a series of speeches and the official handing over of the AEAA presidency. After remarkable speeches of H.E Mrs. Ayelech Eshete (state minister of General Education, MoE-Ethiopia), the conference officially closed by the Ethiopian and African Union anthems.
Keynote Address: Prof. Belay Tefera
The final keynote address was given by Professor Belay Tefera from Addis Ababa University, AAU, whose focus was on the title "Assessing Educational Assessment towards Transforming the Assessment Landscape in the New Millennium." His presentation was a call to action, highlighting core challenges in current assessment practices, including a misalignment with curriculum, administrative hurdles, and issues of equity and test bias.
Prof. Belay called for an improved use of assessment evidence, the implementation of new tools, and the overhaul of existing systems
The presentation developed by panel discussions lead by Dr. Kassa brought together diverse stakeholders to explore their experiences and insights on educational assessment.
“Assessment must be continuous, innovative, and deeply rooted in the curriculum” (Argued by panelists)
Closing Ceremony
Reflections and Presidential Handover
After the tea break, the speeches were filled with gratitude and a look toward the future. Dr. Maruf, the outgoing AEAA President, welcomed the Ethiopian State Minister of Education, Mrs. Ayelech, and acknowledged the tireless work of Dr. Eshetu Kebede and Mr. Yilkal Wendemeneh in organizing an outstanding conference. He also extended his appreciation to the AEAA Executive Secretary and all members for their unwavering support during his presidency.
“… in the last few days stayed in Addis, we have not engaged in intellectual exchange and professional growth but also be in touched by the spirit of explaining of Ethiopia.” (Dr. Maruf)
Communiqué of the 41st AEAA Conference and the Transformation of AEAA Blueprint
The conference, which brought together over 347 delegates from 30 countries, served as a crucial platform for addressing the theme, "Transforming Educational Assessment: Towards Quality Learning and Informed Decision Making." A total of 100 papers were presented, culminating in the launch of the Continental Assessment Framework for Africa (CAF-Africa). This framework is a collaborative effort designed to promote data-driven decision-making and ensure that no African child is disadvantaged by their qualifications.
The conference's core resolutions call for members to:
- Adopt and contextualize the CAF-Africa to generate comparable data across regions.
- Collaborate with the African Union to promote data-based decision-making.
- Champion decolonized and inclusive assessment practices.
- Strengthen data-driven decision-making to enhance school effectiveness.
- Prioritize professional development for teachers in competency-based assessment.
- Develop and implement multilingual assessment strategies.
- Ensure the technical quality of all assessments.
Dr. Michael Chilala, presenting the Communiqué of the 41st AEAA conference
Dr. Eshetu, officially dressing and hand over of the AEAA work blueprint
Dr. Eshetu Kebede, who was then officially dressed as the new AEAA President, thanked everyone who contributed to the event's success, from the Executive Secretariat to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and all delegates. His impassioned call for African unity and prosperity resonated deeply with the audience.
The conference concluded with the official handing over of the AEAA presidency to Dr. Eshetu, followed by a presentation from Prof. Said Muhamed of Tanzania, the host country for the 42nd AEAA conference.
Delegates of Tanzania with the new AEAA president
Delegates of Tanzanian handover the 42nd AEAA conference lead by Prof. Said Muhamed (CEO of The National Examinations Council of Tanzania) center in the picture and introduce Conference Theme: Rethinking Educational Assessment in the Age of Artificial Intelligent, composed of seven thematic area at the Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania. The CEO, introduce all about 42nd AEAA conference using PPT and short video.
Leaders awarded ceremony of Ethiopian cultural tools for elder and wise men used “Gabi” and “Chira”
“Gabi” awarding ceremony
“Chira” awarding ceremony
HE Mrs. Ayelech underscored the importance of the conference and thanked the leaders for their vision.
The closing speech by HE Mrs. Ayelech (State Minister of Ethiopia, MoE-General Education)
During the closing ceremony of Ethiopian and Africa union Anthems
Post-Conference Gratitude to LOC Members
Beyond the formal proceedings, the true spirit of the conference was captured in the heartfelt reactions of the Local Organizing Committee members. Their messages, shared on the "AEAA Conference LOC group," reflect a deep sense of pride, teamwork, and personal development.
Mr. Yilikal, the head of the LOC, graciously congratulated his team, noting, "On behalf of all who participated and benefited from this remarkable gathering, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Local Organizing Committee...With your dedicated effort and teamwork, we delivered an exceptional event that not only met expectations—but truly elevated the standard of conference hosting." In a reciprocal show of appreciation,
Arega replied, "Congratulations to you as well for your tireless communications and flawless coordination.
Your steadfast dedication and thoughtful leadership were the heartbeat of our success."
In a separate expression of gratitude, Dr. Effa thanked the LOC for their "outstanding dedication, seamless coordination, and gracious hospitality." He continued, "Your work has set a new standard for future gatherings, and we are truly grateful." The LOC members' reactions to Dr. Effa's message were a powerful display of their personal feelings and sense of accomplishment:
- Arega: He felt "deeply honored" and described his role as "one of my most meaningful journeys," a testament to what "teamwork, perseverance, and vision can achieve."
- Awaksa: Thanked Dr. Effa for his "great commitment" and for playing "the greatest role."
- Libeyin: Expressed feeling "so lucky" to be part of the successful event and to have gained "rich experience."
- Asmamaw: Shared a feeling of great pride in their institution's success, stating, "I myself very proud of by our institution."
- Assefa: Offered a simple but profound thanks to a higher power: "Yes, thanks to the almighty God."
- Desta Gashu: Expressed her gratitude and a sense of personal achievement, stating, "It is a great achievement as an institution and I am lucky to have been involved in this work. I have gained a very good experience."
- Hilina: Appreciated Dr. Effa's contribution, stating, "Great job! Your effort and commitment added so much value to the team’s success. God bless you and thank you."
- Abraraw Teka: Showed deep admiration, expressing, "I really appreciate also your dedication and commitment. Really I am proud of you under your professionalism."
- Bekele Geleta: Affirmed Dr. Effa's crucial role, stating, "It is your great & unflinching effort that made the realization of this historical event!"
- Endale Getachew: Thanked him on behalf of the Logistics Committee and expressed gratitude for his "guidance, trust, and collaboration."
- Ato Tefera, Ashenafi, and Alelign: Offered concise but heartfelt thanks.
These messages, along with the collective sentiment expressed by Bekama—"UNITED WE STAND... Cooperation, collaboration, brotherly and sisterly understanding, and obedience to one another led us to such great success.
This sentiment was reinforced by Robel, who proudly added, "we did it unconditionally covered gaps of one another. This is the culture of EAES!"
The dedication of the team was highlighted by Mengistu Kebede, "your dedication and team work were outstanding." Arega appreciated Mengistu by saying: “…This is an excellent and engaging lesson for young minds, including you.” Desta Gashu shared a similar feeling of pride, "We are grateful for the success we have achieved as an institution and as a country... I have gained a very good experience."
Arega acknowledged Robel’s outstanding dedication, noting his late-night effort—up to 4:00 AM—to prepare the daily bulletin. Kassahun Tamene stressed that divine guidance, stronger collaboration, and unity are essential for Africa’s advancement, emphasizing that we succeed when we stand together. Getachew Abebe expressed appreciation and gratitude for these sentiments, sending a warm, thankful reception in response using emoji.
At the end, Ato Tefera concludes as follows “ጉባዔው በሠላምና እንዲህ ባማረ ሁኔታ በመጠናቀቁ እንኳን ደስ አላችሁ!! እንኳን ደስ አለን!! በጣም ጥሩ ሥራ ሠርታችኋል። በርቱ!!”