In a pioneering move to strengthen the resilience of education systems across sub-Saharan Africa, Makerere University has launched the Africa Regional Education System Resilience Observatory (ARESRO). The initiative, unveiled on February 25, 2025, brings together leading academicians, development partners, and education experts to underscore the urgency of fortifying African learning institutions against disruptions such as climate change, pandemics, and technological shifts.
The ARESRO Project, established through Makerere University’s ResilientAfrica Network (RAN), is funded by the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX) via the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Positioned as a research-driven hub, ARESRO will track risks, stressors, and interventions impacting education in 42 GPE partner countries across the region. Based at Makerere University, the observatory will provide real-time data and evidence-based solutions to inform policy and improve educational resilience.
ARESRO is one of six regional observatories worldwide, joining similar initiatives in Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. The observatory will employ a three-tiered research strategy: Context Analysis, Formative Assessments, and Foresight Analysis, ensuring comprehensive research to inform actionable solutions.
The findings from these research activities will be converted into knowledge briefs, policy recommendations, and reports to help policymakers strengthen education infrastructure in the face of various challenges.
Despite growing discussions on education resilience, there is currently no universally accepted framework to assess or improve it. According to Dr Roy William Mayega, Principal Investigator of ARESRO, the initiative aims to fill this gap by establishing a standardized methodology for understanding and enhancing resilience in education systems. “Our goal is to define, measure, and enhance resilience in education, ensuring African learning institutions are well-equipped to handle disruptions like pandemics, climate-related disasters, and socio-political instability,” explained Dr. Mayega. “By focusing on research-driven insights, we can develop frameworks that are both contextually relevant and globally applicable.”
Ms. Tricia Wind, Program Lead for GPE KIX, stressed the importance of generating empirical data on education resilience, especially after global disruptions like COVID-19. “This initiative will help African countries build education systems that are not only equitable and inclusive but also adaptable to future uncertainties,” said Ms. Wind.
Beyond research, ARESRO is set to influence education policy across the continent. The observatory will collaborate with regional bodies such as the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to integrate resilience strategies into national education policies.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to research and innovation in education. “ARESRO aligns with Makerere’s vision of being a research-led university that contributes to solving Africa’s developmental challenges,” he said. “By building partnerships across academia, government, and civil society, we can ensure that resilience-building strategies are effectively implemented at scale.”
ARESRO’s efforts will also prioritize gender equity, inclusion, and adaptive management to ensure that the most vulnerable learners—especially girls and children in conflict-prone areas—benefit from stronger education systems. Through evidence-based policymaking, strategic partnerships, and localized solutions, the project aims to create a more sustainable and shock-resistant education landscape for future generations.
With a strong focus on long-term resilience, ARESRO is poised to transform how African nations prepare for and respond to education disruptions, ensuring that learning remains accessible and sustainable even in the face of adversity.
Article by RB Reporter
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