The Competence-Based Curriculum and Education for Sustainable Development: Exploring the opportunities for education transformation in Rwanda

My research is focused on the global call for education system transformation towards the repair of entrenched injustices and inequalities, and the building of climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Based in Rwanda where, despite challenges, there is strong political support for education transformation, this doctoral research seeks to explore the potential for structural and transformative change through the integration of transgressive Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) methodologies into the newly introduced Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The research will form a transdisciplinary and co-engaged inquiry, collaborating with the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) and involving a research team of teachers, students, and parents, with NGO, ministry and district representatives, and academics in six Rwandan Eco-Schools. Particular focus will be brought to environmental and epistemic justice perspectives identifiable both during the research design and within the ESD co-production processes and resulting impacts happening in the schools and their wider communities.

I hope that the research outcomes will have an instrumental impact on curriculum adaptation, providing practical guidance and new pedagogical tools to guide the successful integration of ESD within a CBC framework.