Congratulations to the 2018 ATP graduates

29 June 2018

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IIEP-UNESCO
Participants of the 53rd session of the ATP on 28 June 2018 at IIEP-UNESCO in Paris, France.

On 28 June 2018 the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) welcomed the latest graduates of the Advanced Training Programme (ATP) to its global network of educational planners and managers.

The 53rd session of the ATP included participants from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Finland, Guyana, Lao PDR, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Uganda.

The programme - taken either in modules or over 9 months - covers all facets of educational planning and management, from education policy analysis to monitoring and evaluation. It hones strategic management and leadership skills. It is also an exciting opportunity for the sharing of multi-country perspectives and experiences among its diverse group of participants and IIEP teaching staff, who also come from many parts of the world.

Blending theory and practical elements, the programme strives to ensure that all of its graduates continue to updates their skills and knowledge. IIEP’s Director Suzanne Grant Lewis reiterated this in her commencement remarks, referring to the importance of lifelong learning in the education-related fourth Sustainable Development Goal.

“Curiosity is the desire to know more. It is one of the most influential drivers of human behavior. The urge to discover, learn, and explore has been the driver of some of the most significant achievements in history,” said Grant Lewis to a packed room of distinguished guests and participants getting ready to collect their hard-earned certificates. “I urge you, commit to being a lifelong learner. Stay curious and continue to live life to its fullest.”

Jim Ackers, Head of Training at IIEP, also congratulated the participants for developing stronger analytical and planning skills. “Your studies ensure that you are at the forefront of the new Education 2030 Agenda that UNESCO leads. Many of your projects have focused on issues of equity and inclusion, which remain significant logistical and ethical challenges for the world.  We know that you will all play a part in making this world a better place, not least through the practical skills and competences that ensure that what is desirable gets translated into education plans that are realistic and affordable.”

Among the trainees, the energy was palpable as they collected their certificates and sent photos to their families and colleagues back home. Dorothy Ssekimipi, a senior economist in the Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda and recipient of a fellowship for a female planner, said she was so eager to see this day come and is ready to apply her new skills.“We need to become change makers in our sections; we need to go and spearhead what we have learned and work as a team in terms of planning education. I need to pass on these skills to my team,” she said in an interview after the ceremony.

“We need to become change makers in our sections; we need to go and spearhead what we have learned and work as a team in terms of planning education. I need to pass on these skills to my team,” she said in an interview after the ceremony.

It was also clear that the trainees depended on each other - and the IIEP community-at-large - to adapt to a new country and customs.

“We survived this very intensive training because we are family,” said Hamissou Moussa, President of the Participants’ Association and participant from Niger. “We will meet again, and build our story together.”

 
IIEP is looking forward to welcoming the 54th session of the Advanced Training Programme this September with the start of the online phase. Please click here if you are interested in learning more about training opportunities at IIEP.