JMERC Participates in The 2nd International Conference on Curriculum Development

The 2nd International Conference on Curriculum Development (ICCD2026) was held in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme —Innovative Curriculum Approaches for Sustainable Education in a Globalised World.— The conference brought together education stakeholders to reflect on how curriculum development can respond to the changing needs of learners, communities and education systems.

Our Executive Director, Dr John Mary Vianney Mitana, chaired a keynote session delivered by Dr Tonny Devine of the Global Peace Foundation. The session contributed to broader discussions on the role of curriculum in equipping learners with relevant knowledge, skills and competencies for a changing world.

A key message emerging from the conference was the need to rethink how curriculum is designed and implemented across Africa. Prof. Benson Banda, one of the keynote speakers, challenged participants to consider how curriculum development could move beyond a focus on content and respond more meaningfully to Africa’s contexts and aspirations.

JMERC also showcased its work through an exhibition stand,sharing tools, resources and evidence from programmes focused on more inclusive, relevant and responsive education. These included Foundational Learning and Social Emotional Learning and Literacy through Play (SELL-Play), REASEL, RSEL, and research and learning resources emerging from JMERC programmes.

Our Research Coordinator Ahurwendeire Salvias, shared more about JMERC’s work and engaging with participants during the sessions. The conference provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen connections and explore opportunities for collaboration around teaching, learning and education systems transformation.

For JMERC, the discussions reinforced the importance of viewing curriculum development beyond what is taught in the classroom. It must also consider how children and young people learn, the skills they need to thrive, the environments in which they grow, and their voices and experiences. Through research, partnerships and evidence-informed programming, JMERC continues to contribute to efforts to advance quality, equitable and learner-centred education in Uganda and across Africa.