KEWOTA Conference 2024: A Crucial Event for Education Stakeholders

The upcoming Kenya Women Teachers Organization (KEWOTA) Conference 2024 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) promises to be a significant gathering for education stakeholders across the country. Scheduled for later this year, the conference will bring together over 1,000 women teachers, education leaders, and senior officials to discuss key issues affecting education and teacher empowerment in Kenya.

Benter Opande, CEO of KEWOTA, emphasized the importance of the event, noting that the organization, founded in 2007 and fully operational since 2018, has a mission to empower women teachers, particularly through the integration of technology in education. “One of our core objectives is to ensure women teachers are ICT-enabled,” said Opande. KEWOTA has provided laptops loaded with digital books to teachers, helping them overcome technophobia and adapt to the digital age.

“Teachers need to be tech-savvy, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. We will showcase to teachers why embracing or being cautious about AI is critical in the modern classroom,” Opande explained.

The conference will also highlight Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on quality education and empowerment, with a special emphasis on early childhood development (ECD). Opande praised the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for recognizing ECD as part of basic education, stressing the need for capitation funds to support it in the near future.

KEWOTA’s advocacy extends beyond education. The organization has been championing the creation of breastfeeding centers in schools to improve teacher performance and well-being.

“We have established five centers across the country, allowing teachers to bond with their children during breastfeeding times, reducing stress and improving overall performance,” Opande said.

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is crucial for infant health, and KEWOTA’s initiative aims to support mothers in providing the best care for their children while maintaining their professional duties.

The conference will also provide a platform for exhibitors to showcase their products and services, with booths available for just Ksh 50,000. Main sponsorship opportunities are also open, with the top sponsor contribution set at Ksh 3 million.

As KEWOTA prepares for a vibrant and insightful conference, Opande extended an invitation to all education stakeholders, exhibitors, and sponsors to join in shaping the future of education in Kenya.