Teachers, teacher educators, researchers and education leaders across Sub‑Saharan Africa have a rare chance to join a free, online learning programme that starts in just a few weeks. This Community of Practice aims to boost teacher development skills and share proven ideas across the continent, so you can improve learning in your own school or university.
What the programme is
The UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), together with the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX) Africa 19 Hub, is reopening its Community of Practice on Teacher Education and Development Strengthening. Module 2 runs from 19 August 2026 to 16 December 2026.
- Format: Virtual peer‑learning sessions
- Frequency: Every second Wednesday
- Time: 15:00–17:00 East Africa Time (UTC+3)
- Self‑study: About 3 hours per month, online
- Certification: Awarded to those who attend at least 8 of 10 sessions and finish the final assignment
- Eligibility: Education professionals from Sub‑Saharan Africa working in teacher development, policy, research or school leadership
- Registration deadline: 14 August 2026
- Notification of selection: 16 August 2026
- Start date: 19 August 2026
Who can apply
The programme is designed for people who are already involved in teacher education and development. Eligible participants include:
- Ministries of Education – especially teacher‑development departments
- Teacher Councils and Commissions
- Teacher educators and lecturers
- Education researchers
- Teacher colleges
- School leaders who are implementing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) reforms
The announcement does not list any age limit, tuition fee, stipend, or specific degree requirement. You only need to belong to one of the groups above and be based in Sub‑Saharan Africa.
What you will gain
By joining, you will:
- Share and learn evidence‑based practices from peers across Africa
- Strengthen your ability to design, deliver and evaluate teacher‑development programmes
- Get a certificate that recognises your participation and completed assignments
- Build a network of education professionals for future collaboration
- Apply new ideas directly to your classroom, school or policy work
How to apply – step by step
- Check that your role matches one of the eligible categories listed above.
- Make sure you have reliable internet, a computer or tablet, and a quiet place for the live sessions.
- Mark the key dates in your calendar (registration deadline 14 Aug, notification 16 Aug, first session 19 Aug).
- Complete the online registration form: https://forms.gle/uMAysjKrDr2wyWRp9. Fill in all fields accurately and use an email address you check daily.
- Submit the form before 23:59 SAST on 14 August 2026.
- Wait for the selection email on 16 August 2026. If you are selected, you will receive login details for the virtual platform.
- Attend the live sessions and complete the three hours of self‑paced learning each month.
- Finish the final assignment and meet the attendance requirement to receive the certificate.
Tips to improve your chances
- Register early – the deadline is very close to the start date.
- Use a personal or work email you open every day; check spam folders around 16 August.
- Describe your current role exactly as it appears on your organisation’s website or ID badge.
- Check that the session times fit your schedule before you apply.
- Ensure you have stable internet and a quiet spot for the 2‑hour workshops.
- Plan three hours each month for the independent learning component.
- Read the programme announcement carefully; do not assume there is a stipend or employment guarantee.
Conclusion and next steps
This Community of Practice is a valuable chance to connect with education leaders from across Africa and bring fresh, evidence‑based ideas back to your own work. If you meet the eligibility criteria, register before 14 August 2026 using the official Google Form link above. Prepare your schedule, internet setup and a clear description of your role, then submit your application. Good preparation will help you get the most out of the programme and earn the certification.
Full session schedule
- 19 August 2026
- 2 September 2026
- 16 September 2026
- 30 September 2026
- 14 October 2026
- 28 October 2026
- 11 November 2026
- 25 November 2026
- 9 December 2026
- 16 December 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the UNESCO Community of Practice?
It is a virtual peer‑learning group focused on strengthening teacher education and development in Sub‑Saharan Africa. - When does Module 2 start?
19 August 2026. - When must I register?
By 14 August 2026. - Is the programme online?
Yes, all sessions are held virtually. - Who can take part?
Ministries of Education (teacher‑development units), teacher councils, teacher educators, education researchers, teacher colleges and school leaders working on CPD reforms. - How many sessions are there?
Ten sessions, ending 16 December 2026. - How often are sessions held?
Every second Wednesday. - What time are the sessions?
15:00–17:00 EAT (UTC+3). - Is there independent study?
Yes, about three hours of self‑paced learning each month. - Will I get a certificate?
You will receive one if you attend at least eight sessions and complete the final assignment. - Is there a stipend?
The announcement does not mention any financial support. - Is this a job?
No, it is a professional development programme, not a paid employment position. - When will I be notified if I am selected?
16 August 2026. - Does registering guarantee participation?
No. After you apply, you must wait for the official notification.
Important dates to remember
- 14 August 2026: Registration deadline
- 16 August 2026: Notification of selected participants
- 19 August 2026: First live session
- 16 December 2026: Final live session
Disclaimer
SETA SA shares this information for educational purposes only. SETA SA is not UNESCO, GPE KIX Africa 19 Hub, IDRC, EU‑RTIA, AFTRA or the African Union, and does not control the selection, registration, programme delivery or certification process. Applicants should rely on the official programme communication for final confirmation of participation, schedules, requirements and any changes. No application fee is mentioned in the official announcement; do not pay anyone claiming otherwise.
