ALiVE seeks to build a community of experts in many spheres that regard life skills and values. Even in this publication, ALiVE brought together 25 contributors who co-authored different chapters of the book. Notably, more than half of them are first time authors. Here is a highlight of their experience in developing content for the book. So far, the ALiVE book has registered nearly 40,000 downloads and multiple citations from across the globe.  Download free copy here https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-51490-6. We thank those who have used this book, our evidence, reports and tools that we continue to freely share on /ALiVE Open-Source Platform . Read more on https://www.alive-reli.org/articles-books/

The Contextualization of 21st Century Skills: Assessment in East Africa Another first from ALiVE is the publication of a book entitled, The Contextualisation of 21st Century Skills: Assessment in East Africa. This book provides readers with a pragmatic yet technically robust process for undertaking large scale assessment program designed to inform policy. It is a rich resource that demonstrates how to build agreed understanding of 21st century skills. It highlights the intersection of culture, values, and believes with the 21st century skills.  Fundamentally, the book tells three stories: Contextualisation The first 6 chapters of the book immerse the reader in the process of contextualisation adapted by the ALiVE program, the contextual definitions of the 21st century skills by East Africa and a comparison to the global understanding and conceptual frameworks. Assessment Using Scenario-based Tools From the contextual definitions, ALiVE developed scenario and performance-based tools and used the tools to assess 45,000 adolescents aged 13-17 years old in East Africa. The book investigates this journey of tool development while allowing the reader an opportunity to interact with a sample of the tasks and the findings of the assessment in East Africa. The Education Policy in East Africa The chapters help readers to appreciate how East Africa’s education systems have evolved to include the 21st century competencies, the challenges faced in the implementations but also the opportunities that exist from the ALiVE findings. The book was officially launched at the Comparative International Education Society (CIES) conference 2024 in Miami, Florida.  The CIES Conference brings together more than 4,000 participants annually, including education researchers, policymakers, multilateral agencies, non-governmental organizations, analysts, practitioners, and students from across the globe to share evidence and explore educational issues. Conversations in the book cover early childhood and primary school to secondary and higher education, as well as non-formal education and lifelong learning. For ALiVE, the climax of CIES 2024 conference was the launch of the ALiVE Book, Contextualisation of 21st Century Skills: Assessment in East Africa. The book seeks to share lessons from the ALiVE project implementation experience since 2020. The book is yet another milestone for a project which was seeks to check if and how values and life skills could be nurtured and assessed in the East African context. The ALiVE book also reports on the levels of these core competencies among some 45,000 adolescents, from a household-based assessment conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This may arguably be the largest such assessment ever carried out withing the East African context. The results describe how adolescents vary in proficiency by region, age, and other factors, providing a resource for national education ministries to factor into policy decisions.  This open access book is written for educators and policy makers who seek to empower young people with competencies necessary for meaningful lives in the 21st century. The book has been lauded as another first by ALiVE initiative. During its global launch, a participant noted, “ALiVE has done what no one else has accomplished in the world.” In May of 2024, ALiVE team hosted a global X-space conversation around the book. Over 350 participants joined in and many more have since followed through the conversation which is also available via these links: https://youtu.be/uhIltJeYXHw and https://youtu.be/1HTmfjH9YVQ. The ALiVE book was co-edited by Prof. Esther Care, Dr. John Mugo and Dr. Mauro Giacomazzi. We are pleased to release this book to the global education community. This may be the first book that is written by people who are rooted in the context of education in East Africa. We are showing that people that are working in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa can themselves develop and conduct assessment. This book gives them a voice. A voice to tell the African story in African voices – and publication. Dr Mugo ALiVE PI The ALiVE book provided the rationale and the concepts behind assessment of life skills and values specific to East Africa. In that sense, the book provides a framework for moving to the next step, which is about the multiple ways in which these competencies can be embedded coherently into a system. It is at this next step that the ALiVE Academy members are increasingly involved in their jurisdictions, although they also remain focussed on methods for assessment of the skills and the development of learning progressions which will help identify expected proficiencies of learners Prof. Care Technical Advisor Front L – R: Some of the Co-Authors: Martin Ariapa, Samuel Otieno, Khadija Shariff, Devotha Festo, David Alelah and Stella Rose Akongo. Back: Co-Editors Dr. John Mugo and Prof. Esther Care at EAC HQ in Arusha ALiVE Book was later honoured at the inaugural East African Community (EAC) Education Conference in Arusha, Tanzania. The conference took place in August 2024.

I am Horine Kinoti. I joined the ALiVE Academy in 2024 to assist in capturing insights from the sessions, for posterity. The idea is to be able to have local experts run the Academy in terms of transferring knowledge gained to future cohorts thereby reducing over-reliance on global experts.  Amazingly, I got immersed in the Academy, participating in all sessions, Academy activities, research on life skills and values.  That is how I graduated into an AA Scholar! The sessions, though intense, are usually very interactive and interesting. I think when ‘I grow up’ I need to have such facilitation skills such as the ones exhibited by Prof. Esther Care.  Armed with knowledge from the Academy, I am proud to be   among the local experts leading system change work here in Kenya.  For instance, I have successfully   facilitated workshops on life skills and values for teacher education in both Eregi and Machakos Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs).  During the workshops, we engaged in unpacking the core competencies and values as per the CBC. Beyond that we developed assessment frameworks, performance indicators, criteria and assessment tasks and rubrics. In addition, I have been contributing as an expert in developing values-based education materials which were co-created with experts from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). I have also participated in developing training manuals and information materials for parents, for nurturing national values. This was done alongside officials from the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values in Kenya. The gains from the ALiVE Academy also enabled me to participate and facilitate the development of 13–17-year-old scenario-based and performance-based assessment tasks. The tasks were used during the April 2024 pilot assessment.  I really appreciate the ALiVE leadership for according to me this chance to be member of the ALiVE Academy. As a knowledge manager dealing more with software, I never imagined myself in the education sector making a difference and contributing to the common futures that ALiVE envisions, future where children and youth are living, thriving and navigating social, work and life challenges. I am proud AA Scholar! 

I joined the Academy in 2024 through appointment as assessment shift member, aiming to support Zanzibar’s efforts to mainstream life skills education across public institutions. The sessions are hands-on but slightly academic, and they take a long time. The training is slower than expected, but it has added significant value to my work. I appreciate the diverse mix of members and the collaborative chemistry. The facilitator is exceptional at keeping us focused while balancing learning and workloads. The facilitator is brilliant and supportive, while the scholars are caring and collaborative. I now better understand life skills, how to integrate them in education curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, while recognising that their adoption varies across education systems. All the same, I note their importance for survival during school and in the marketplace. I highly value the Academy and hope it expands to help more people in the region drive holistic education transformation through these skills. @rmatimbwa

In 2024, the ALiVE Academy beckoned, and I heeded the call! I joined the Academy with the goal of acquiring knowledge and skills necessary to support the effective implementation of the ALiVE program in Kenya. Since then, I have greatly benefited from training in item writing management, and I am currently undertaking a course on Basic Statistics and key concepts in Psychometrics. The learning experience has been both enriching and practical, offering hands-on sessions and individual assignments that have deepened my understanding and allowed me to directly connect what I learn with my work. I am privileged to be part of the ALiVE Academy. Learning from leading experts in the field, alongside a community of dedicated scholars, has made the experience incredibly valuable. The practical nature of the training has made it easier to bridge theory and practice, and I now feel more confident in my ability to develop high-quality assessment items—quite a significant improvement from those I created before joining the Academy. I am sincerely grateful to the ALiVE leadership for the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey, to Prof. Esther Care for her exceptional training, and to my fellow scholars for the collaborative spirit and shared insights that have made the learning process both effective and enjoyable. @OwitiElizabeth

I joined the academy in 2023 to strengthen my understanding of how life skills and values can be assessed and nurtured, so I can better support other ALiVE members and stakeholders. The sessions have been highly engaging, practical, and reflective—encouraging open sharing and peer learning. I have gained clarity on key concepts and can now confidently explain life skills assessment processes in ways that resonate with educators. The products developed by teams in the Academy have been especially helpful in my facilitation work. What I appreciate most is the Academy’s vibrant community of scholars and the facilitation style that values every voice. The experience has expanded my professional capacity and shifted how I approach assessments beyond academic outcomes. Personally, I have become a better listener, collaborator, and advocate. I am proud to be part of a learning space that is not only enriching but also inspiring real change in how we educate for the future. @AriapaMartin

Since 2023, I have had the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey as an academy scholar, which has greatly enhanced both my professional and personal growth. I became part of the academy through my involvement in system-strengthening activities under ALiVE, specifically focusing on engaging with education system to enhance its capacity to integrate life skills and values into both curriculum and assessment. Supporting these efforts is a core aspect of Uwezo Uganda’s role in ALiVE, and central to my own responsibilities. In the course of this work, it became clear to me that to effectively support others, my own capacity needed to be strengthened. This is where the journey with th e academy began. The two years spent in the academy have not only been enriching but also eye-opening. Having started with limited prior exposure to the technical aspects of life skills and values, I have since developed a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the concepts, their practical application, and their significance within the broader education system. The learning-by-doing approach used in the academy has been particularly impactful. It has allowed me to move beyond theory to practical application, enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to ongoing efforts in engaging with the system in the integration of life skills and values in curriculum and assessment. My journey with the academy has also exposed me and allowed me to engage with fellow scholars who have brought to the table experiences, expertise and diverse perspectives to the learning experience. The modules, interactive facilitation, and exposure to global and regional practices have all contributed to a holistic learning process. Being a part of this has not only built my capacity but has also enabled me to better advocate for life skills and values within the education system. In a sense, my journey in the ALiVE Academy has helped me to learn and to give what I didn’t have before. @FNmubiru

I am Akongo Rose Stella, a scholar in the ALiVE Academy. I joined the ALiVE Academy in August 2023, as part of the ALiVE Core Technical Team from Uganda. At that time, I had newly joined the ALiVE Program team in Uganda. The opportunity arose at a time when I was seeking to sharpen my thinking, elevate my professional practice, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about advancing learning outcomes in Africa. The sessions in the Academy have been dynamic, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging. They are not the typical lecture-style trainings; instead, they’re interactive, reflective, and grounded in real-world applications. Each module builds on the other, integrating theory with practice in a way that constantly challenges us to think critically and act intentionally. Our technical advisor and facilitator Professor Esther Care is both knowledgeable and genuinely invested in our learning journeys. So far, my progress in the Academy has been both empowering and humbling. I have grown in my ability to develop assessment frameworks for skills and values, develop and use assessment tools to generate and interpret data to establish levels of competencies, develop learning progressions, ask the right questions, and design learning interventions that are responsive to context. I have also gained confidence in presenting evidence and framing narratives that can influence decision-making spaces. What I am most proud of is being part of a vibrant cadre of scholars who are not only passionate but also deeply grounded in their contexts. The peer learning has been just as enriching as the modules themselves. I am also inspired by how the Academy has created room for experiential learning — through field visits, travel across the region, and exposure to diverse cultural and education contexts, which have broadened my worldview and appreciation of African ingenuity and resilience. Professionally, the Academy has shifted how I approach my work. I now think more in systems and see the value of slow, intentional work that seeks to catalyse sustainable change rather than just deliver quick wins. I’ve embraced complexity with more curiosity and learned to lead with evidence. These are not just tools; they are mindsets that will continue to shape my leadership journey. On a personal level, the Academy has been a space of growth and reflection. It has reawakened my commitment to lifelong learning and reminded me that meaningful change begins with self. I’ve built lasting relationships, found mentors, and gained a renewed sense of purpose in life and work. I am deeply grateful for the ALiVE Academy — not just for the knowledge it has imparted, but for the community it has created and the vision it nurtures. I carry forward a deep sense of responsibility to apply what I’ve learned and to be part of a collective that is reimagining education systems in Africa. @StellaAkongo

My name is Daniel Marandu, a proud scholar of the ALiVE Academy, since 2022. I still remember our first session, which was a three-day workshop at in Nairobi, Kenya. Prior to my admission, I was not aware of the admission criteria, but I recall a conversation with my senior Khadija Shariff, who mentioned that ALiVE was forming a technical team to support life skills and values work with education systems. I accepted the invitation wholeheartedly and have been grateful ever since. I also feel deeply indebted to Dr. John Mugo, the Principal Investigator of ALiVE, as well as his co-Principal Investigator Khadija Shariff, for trusting me and allowing me to be part of this transformative journey. The Academy is highly engaging and demands real commitment, timely submission of assignments and active participation. Before joining, my knowledge of life skills and values was limited, but through a series of sessions and interactions, I have developed deep understanding and practical insight. I now feel confident in my ability to engage with these topics meaningfully and professionally. Being part of the Academy has brought me many proud moments. Working with Prof. Care, a global expert with vast experience in international organizations, is a milestone. The Academy also expanded my professional network across Kenya and Uganda, with Kenya now feeling like my second home. Besides, I have gained valuable personal lessons such as the importance of time management, the value of consistency, the power of collaboration, and the need to remain open to learning. These lessons have reshaped how I approach both work and life. I am truly grateful for the exposure, mentorship, and friendships I have made through ALiVE Academy. As I continue this journey, I carry with me not just knowledge, but a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing life skills and values across our region.  Thank you, ALiVE for being a catalyst in my personal and professional transformation. By Dr Daniel Marandu

I am part of the pioneer scholars who have been in the academy since 2021.  Initially, I was admitted in the ALiVE Academy as one of the national technical team members who were involved in developing frameworks for assessment of life skills and values in East Africa at household level. This was an intensive 9 months’ work to develop contextualized tools to assess problem solving, self-awareness, collaboration and respect, to assess adolescents aged 13-17 years old. This was preceded by more training to master the 21st century, curriculum integration and nurturing of the same. The modality of session in the Academy comprised both virtual and on-site session which really got our hands dirty to make sure we go the tools right, pre-tested severally, piloted and validated. ALiVE Academy members at a past session with representatives from the 4 jurisdictions For the years in the Academy, I have gained immense experience and insights. I was originally a project management practitioner with a law background, now, after being baptized into this unique education intervention and the Academy, I have been inspired to enrol for a post-graduate course in Education. I cherish the richness of diversity of participants whose backgrounds offer a lot of learning and experience sharing. I also like the program approach. Despite being so tight, the schedule has taught me the meaning of agility and endurance. The system integration and engagement has sharpened by advocacy skills, while hands-on activities have taught me more than I could ever anticipate. Indeed, I appreciate that ‘The best way to have it done, is to do it yourself.’ I have widened by scope of knowledge, and skills especially in the novel areas of assessments of social emotional learning competencies alongside curriculum integration styles. The cross-border exposure and cultural experiences through various learning visits across East Africa, have also opened my lens wider to better understand contextual diversity. @SamsonSitta07