Quality Education Starts with Reliable Data
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- 30 Dec 2024
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Training in educational statistics, organized by the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) and funded by UNICEF, is playing a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of Angolan technicians to improve data collection and decision-making in the education sector. Since its launch on July 8, this program has equipped professionals across several provinces with essential tools, contributing to the development of more effective educational policies.
The Training Programme in Information Systems and Statistics for Educational Planning, developed by IIEP, UNESCO, and funded by UNICEF, is now in its third edition. Its primary goal is to train Angolan technicians in the collection, analysis, and utilization of statistical data, which are fundamental for constructing sound educational policies.
Madalena Nunda, one of the 41 professionals participating in this training, works as a Planning and Statistics technician at the Provincial Office of Education in Huambo. With a background in Psychology and a postgraduate degree in Educational Management and Administration, she is responsible for supervising the production of statistical information in her province. Her extensive experience in the sector has allowed her to bring new approaches to her work through this training.
"My role involves coordinating, assigning, and executing tasks, as well as planning, monitoring, and supervising the production of statistical data at the provincial level," Madalena explains. "The training has been essential for improving the techniques and procedures for processing this data."
One of her motivations for participating in the training is her "exacerbated thirst" for knowledge and the desire to ensure the quality of the data that informs educational policies in her province. She describes the training as "fruitful and enriching," particularly highlighting the modules focused on the collection and analysis of statistical data as the most beneficial for her work. "This training will undoubtedly improve the way we handle educational statistics, allowing us to work with more reliable and quality information," she adds.
The impact of this training extends beyond individual roles, influencing the formulation of more efficient public policies at both provincial and national levels. "Training has positively influenced the creation of more effective educational policies. With access to reliable and timely indicators, we can make more informed decisions," concludes Madalena.
UNICEF recognizes the significance of this training in building a better education system. Vatileny Santana, Data and Knowledge Manager in UNICEF's Education section, explains that this initiative aligns with UNICEF's commitment to assist the Angolan government in enhancing the production of school policies based on accurate data. "By participating in this training program aimed at improving data collection at the school level, we are addressing one of our main indicators: the enhancement of data collection, which is essential for formulating more effective educational policies," he states.
Vatileny also emphasizes the need to standardize data collection in primary schools to improve the timely availability of statistical education yearbooks. "While some countries publish yearbooks annually, in Angola, this process can take up to three years. When technicians learn to collect and send information promptly, the Central Planning and Statistics Office will have access to clear and standardized data for all of Angola, facilitating the quicker construction of the statistical yearbook," he concludes.
The Training Program in Information Systems and Statistics for Educational Planning represents a vital step toward strengthening education in Angola. By training professionals from the Office of Studies, Planning, and Statistics (GEPE) in data collection and analysis, the program not only contributes to the improvement of public policies but also promotes more efficient and informed educational management.
With the implementation of this program, it is anticipated that decisions made at the national level will increasingly rely on accurate and up-to-date data, ensuring quality education for all Angolans.
