RESEARCH & CAPACITY
BUILDING
Communicating our learnings about education to a broader audience and capacitating new researchers.
RESEARCH & CAPACITY
BUILDING
Communicating our learnings about education to a broader audience and capacitating new researchers.
Overview
About The Project
Problem statement
Problem 1:
Kelello’s research work has value beyond its immediate client base. The lessons emerging from a particular client are relevant to a broader education community. At the same time, in order to remain current and informed by global trends, senior researchers need to participate in regional and global academic forums.
Problem 2:
South Africa’s education sector faces a critical shortage of mid-level professionals with expertise in educational research, monitoring and evaluation, project management, and evidence-informed practice. As demand for high-quality research and implementation support continues to grow, the pipeline of skilled practitioners has not kept pace.
Response to the problem
Problem 1:
Kelello actively fosters knowledge generation and knowledge sharing through the academic work of its senior team. By supporting research, publication, and professional engagement, senior researchers are able to share their expertise and insights with the wider education sector while strengthening the mentoring and development of junior team members, building organisational capability, and contributing to a stronger evidence-informed education community.
Problem 2:
To address the growing shortage of skilled education researchers, evaluators, and monitoring and evaluation practitioners in South Africa, Kelello Collectives is investing in the next generation of education professionals. Building on the legacy of Kelello Consulting, we launched a research capacity-building programme in 2024 to develop emerging researchers, evaluators, and assessment specialists through structured workplace learning and mentorship. While the programme has been made possible through the support of Epoch, Optima Trust, and the Zenex Foundation, long-term investment and partnerships are needed to expand and sustain this pipeline of skilled professionals, strengthening the capacity of the education sector as a whole.
Today’s investment in mentorship and knowledge sharing creates tomorrow’s education solutions.
Kelello Collectives partners together with Kelello Consulting and the Zenex LEAD Programme to make this programme a reality. We are grateful to our funders the Zenex Foundation and the Optima Trust for their generous support in funding this programme.
Our Approach
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Stage 1: Generate Knowledge
We undertake high-quality education research, monitoring and evaluation, and assessment to generate evidence that addresses real challenges facing South Africa's education sector.
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Stage 2: Share Knowledge & Lead Dialogue
We translate and disseminate evidence through media, conference presentations, academic publications, workshops, webinars, communities of practice, and strategic partnerships. By convening diverse stakeholders, we foster collaboration, shape dialogue, and promote evidence-informed policy and practice.
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Stage 3: Develop People & Leaders
We intentionally develop the next generation of education professionals through structured mentorship, practical workplace learning, coaching, and technical skills development. Alongside building expertise, we cultivate leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and the confidence to lead evidence-informed change.
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Stage 4: Strengthen the Sector
By generating knowledge, sharing learning, and developing skilled professionals and leaders, we strengthen the education sector's capacity to respond to complex challenges, sustain institutional knowledge, and improve educational outcomes across South Africa.
Impact
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Shut Up And Write (SUAW) sessions hosted
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Media engagements
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Academic Articles Written
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Conference presenters sponsored
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Communities of practice supported
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Retreats hosted
Recent Articles
Our Partners & Funders
Get In Touch
We welcome partnerships with funders, organisations, and individuals who share our vision of building the next generation of education researchers and leaders. Find out how you can be involved.
