AFRICAN RCE’s: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Dick D. K. Kachilonda

CHALLENGES Conceptual understanding of an RCE Communication What builds an RCE Stakeholder’s involvement in RCE activities Stakeholders engagement on common interest Communication Limited interaction among stakeholders within and across RCEs to share knowledge, skills and experiences in ESD Limited access to internet facilities Under-reporting of RCE activities

CHALLENGES CONT. Lack of stakeholders common interest/common object in ESD activities to bring them together Governance in RCEs Who/which institution is to coordinate and take lead in activities How are the structures of the RCE and who is most involved in the activities How are the activities designed, planned and implemented Less consultations and sharing of research project by universities and other institutions Limited financial resources to run RCE activities.

OPPORTUNITIES Collaborative research projects RCEs teaming up; engaging categories of stakeholders e.g. govt., universities, depending on focus of specific project Possibilities of making joint proposals for activity based projects Visibility of RCEs - showcasing RCE activities in other ESD forums e.g. EEASA in southern Africa; West Africa and East Africa similar forums Publication of RCEs best practices for others to learn and wherever possible get support from org., govt.

OPPORTUNITIES Interaction with policy makers to showcase what RCEs are doing and wherever possible get support from them Building RCE networks at local, national, regional and continental levels to create a sharing forums for ESD Linking RCE activities with some already existing programmes Sharing of RCE success stories through electronic media (RCE Google group)

WHAT NEXT ? RCE Policy makers Other international organisations Other government departments Local communities RCE Community of Practice/learning Institutions of higher learning NGOs