Call for abstracts (CFAS) 8th pan African reading for all (parfa) conference

Abstract

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS (CFAS) 8TH PAN AFRICAN READING FOR ALL (PARFA) CONFERENCE THE PARFA CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI – KENYA SCIENCE CAMPUS FROM 12TH - 16 TH AUGUST 2013

The purpose of Pan-African Reading for All Conference(s) is to develop ways of translating “Education for All” into “Reading for All.” The 8th Pan-African Reading for All Conference will be co-hosted by the Association of Reading of Kenya (ARK) and The School of Education of The University of Nairobi under the theme: Literacy for All: Leading the way to literacy excellence. Specifically, the conference will provide a forum for teachers, writers, librarians, educators, researchers, publishers and local and international development workers to showcase innovative literacy strategies and techniques that have continually made a positive impact on literacy development across Africa. More importantly, sharing and documenting research findings, lasting knowledge solutions and best practices on literacy will not only be strengthened but also be critical in teasing out what is working and what is not in order to have a more coordinated and streamlined approach to literacy in Africa. To this end, the conference will highlight support structures needed, to be established and/or strengthened, for the promotion of reading (and numeracy) as a cornerstone for the Education for All process, nationally and internationally. The conference will, hopefully, stimulate a greater responsiveness among development partners who are looking beyond Education for All by 2015. The Pan-African Reading for All Conference has become an important literacy event on the African continent. It provides a platform for policy makers in government and the donor community to interface with literacy professionals, and researchers at all levels to share vital knowledge and information on appropriate ways and strategies of delivering literacy and reading skills to all communities. In the seven countries (South Africa (1999); Nigeria (2001); Uganda (2003); Swaziland (2005); Ghana (2007); Tanzania (2009) and Botswana (2011)) where the conference has been held, positive developments have been registered. These include growth and development of community libraries, adult literacy classes, children’s reading tents, emergence of reading and writing clubs in schools and communities and positive policy pronouncements in favor of the book sector and publishing industry. The first conference (held in Pretoria in 1999) focused on reading among children. The second one (held in Abuja in 2001) considered the role of communities in building a reading culture. The third one (held in Kampala in 2003) was on analyzing and ultimately surmounting the factors that impede the transmission and use of literacy skills. The fourth one (held in Ezulwini in 2005) was on exploring the connection between literacy and sustainable development. The fifth conference (held in Accra in 2007) was on Literacy for human liberation. The sixth one (held in Dar es Salaam in 2009) focused on Literacy for Community Based Socio-Economic Transformation and Development. The seventh conference (held in Gaborone in 2011) was on a reader becoming an empowered leader. The determination of the conference theme draws from the local scene of the hosting country, extending to matters of regional and global interest. Objectives of the 8th Pan-African Reading for All Conference

The objectives of the conference are to:

Strengthen capacity within Africa in collecting and analyzing data to support formulation of policy and interventions that address the barriers that make it difficult to achieve the vision of literacy (and numeracy) for all; Generate and/or support frameworks for the development and implementation of new initiatives that address specific literacy (and numeracy) problems; Consider how reading, writing (and numeracy) can be harnessed effectively for opening up social futures across Africa and the world at large. Interrogate a range of approaches that promote literacy (and numeracy) in- and out-of-school and those that facilitate the setting up of rural libraries and encourage the development of high quality, low-cost, culturally relevant, multi-genre reading materials and resources.

CONFERENCE THEME, SUB-THEMES AND TOPICS

Conference Theme: Literacy for All: Leading the way to literacy excellence. Sub-themes Literacy and early childhood education Literacy across the curriculum Literacy, information centres and technology Literacy and community participation Literacy and language of education Literacy instruction and assessment Literacy, health and human rights Literacy, publishing and materials development Innovations in literacy instruction Multicultural literacies INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS

Presentations will be of the following types: Individual papers: These will be presented by one or two individuals and will be allotted 30 minutes each (20 minutes for the presentation and 10 for discussion). Colloquia: These will be presented by four or five people working together and will be allotted two (2) hours. The presenters may divide the time amongst themselves as they deem fit but should allow at least 40 minutes (not necessarily all together) for audience reactions. Workshops: These will be interactive sessions, in which the presenter(s) is expected to act as a facilitator rather than as a speaker. Each will be allotted one (1) hour. A workshop should have a practical purpose and involve the participants in some activity. Poster sessions: These will be graphic displays of information, which will be posted on the walls of the session rooms and/or in the corridors. Each display will stay up for several hours, and a period of 20-30 minutes will be allotted for conference participants to come and discuss it with its presenter. Films/Documentaries: These should be presented on video tape and will be allotted 30 minutes each. Tapes should be no more than 20 minutes long to allow time for viewers’ questions and comments.

Presentations should fall under one of the major sub-themes listed. To propose a presentation, please fill out the proposal form provided here.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES

All those who intend to take part in the conference, whether presenting papers or not, will be required to pay conference registration fees (a different form will be provided for this purpose). The registration fee per person for participants from Africa including Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar is US$150. The registration fee per person for participants from other continents is US$250.

OTHER

Information on travel and accommodation will be provided in due course.

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