information
The idea to have a Centre for Educational Research and Training was conceived in the Faculty of Education at Chancellor College in the late 1980s. There was inadequate empirical evidence on the state of education in the country. As a result, most policies / programmes were not based on research evidence and the system of education continued to be plagued by numerous problems like low learning outcomes, internal inefficiency, poor quality and lack of equity.
The Centre for Educational Research and Training was established in 1991 following consultations between the Faculty of Education at Chancellor College; andMinistry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) and the World Bank.CERT was until 1995 a University of Malawi, Ministry of Education and World Bank fundedproject. CERT is now a fully-fledged departmentwithin the School of Education, University of Malawi.
The mainmandate of the Centre wasto conduct research, document and disseminate educational research findings for the consumption of the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. CERT was envisaged to be the think tank of the Ministry of Education and assist the Ministry in identifying problems at all levels of education.
- CERT Vision
- CERT Mandate
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Determine educational research needs in Malawi and develop research programmes
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Undertake basic and applied research to generate information on education issues in Malawi
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Disseminate results to relevant stakeholders in the country and globally
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Collect and compile education research outputs and act as a clearinghouse.
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Network with education researchers in Malawi, Africa and beyond to undertake collaborative research
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Develop needs based training programmes for education stakeholders
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Solicit research and training funds
- CERT Mission statement
To achieve the highest levels of excellence in educational research in Malawi and beyond to impact on national educational policy and practice.
The mandate of CERT is to:
To carry out educational research that influences evidence based policy making within the education sector and disseminate research findings with the aim of improving the provision of education in Malawi.
- CERT Core values
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Professionalism
CERT will endeavor to discharge its duties with a high degree of integrity in line with research ethics. -
Transparency
and
accountability
CERT will strive to operate in an environment that promotes openness, accountability and desist from any corrupt practices including bribery, kickbacks, illegal payments and any other fraudulent activities. -
Adaptive and
dynamic
CERT will be committed and responsive to changing research needs and circumstances in order to improve education system in Malawi. -
Networking
CERT will value the importance of working with likeminded institutions, organizations and individuals. -
Child
protection and
safeguarding
rights of
children
CERT will strive to protect and safeguard the rights of children in all its undertakings.
CERTrecognises that it must anchor its operations on certain principles and values and that the implementation of its objectives, strategies and activities will be guided by a Vision, Mission and Core Values. Towards this, the following shall guide CERT during the Strategic Plan Period: