CAPE TOWN - Umalusi, the South African quality assurance body, is finalizing preparations for the 40th Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), set to take place in August.

According to South African Government News Agency, CEO of Umalusi, the organization's executive committee expressed satisfaction with the progress made towards hosting the event during a media briefing on Friday.

Scheduled from August 19 to 23, 2024, at the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel, the conference will explore the theme "Reimagining educational assessment in the age of multiple dimensions of learning in a global society." It aims to address the evolving landscape of educational assessment amidst the complexities of a globalized learning environment.

The AEAA plays a pivotal role in promoting best practices among educational assessment institutions across Africa and beyond. The upcoming conference, returning to Cape Town 21 years after the city hosted the 21st AEAA Conference in 2003, marks a significant milestone for Umalusi, celebrating over two decades since its establishment.

Rakometsi anticipates the event will draw over 300 delegates, including assessment specialists, academics, educators, and policymakers from Africa, Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The gathering will serve as a crucial platform for discussing mutual interests and challenges within the educational systems worldwide.

The conference will feature a workshop to enhance the skills of assessment practitioners, alongside opportunities for organizations to exhibit their services and products to the participants. Dr. Rakometsi called on Umalusi's partners, both within South Africa and globally, to contribute to the conference by submitting abstracts and papers for consideration.

Dr. David Njengere, President of the AEAA, echoed the call for support from educational and assessment organizations worldwide. He highlighted the importance of sponsorship and exhibitions at the conference as key to its success.

The 40th AEAA Annual Conference in Cape Town promises to be a memorable event, fostering dialogue and cooperation among educational assessment professionals and stakeholders from around the globe.