ESSA Welcomes Renowned Education Researcher to Board of Trustees

ESSA, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving education in Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Hellen Inyega to its Board of Trustees. Prof. Inyega, a distinguished academic and consultant in education, brings extensive expertise in literacy, early childhood education, special education and resource mobilisation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Prof. Inyega to our Board,” said Patrick Dunne, Board Chair for ESSA. “Her deep knowledge and strategic insights will greatly enhance our work as we continue strengthening education research and systems across Africa.”

“Prof. Inyega’s vast experience and her dedication to advancing foundational learning align perfectly with our mission. At ESSA, we are committed to working with universities, using evidence to improve education for young people, and Prof. Inyega’s work is a fantastic example of the impact researchers in Africa can have on children. We are confident that Prof. Inyega’s expertise will be instrumental in driving our impact forward,”

Dr Lucy Heady, CEO of ESSA, added.

Founded in 2016, ESSA collaborates with local partners to address key educational challenges across Africa. By producing and supporting actionable research, ESSA informs policies and practices to improve education systems.

The Board of Trustees ensures that ESSA’s strategy, resources, and governance are aligned with its goals. With the addition of Prof. Inyega, the Board now comprises seven members.

About Prof. Hellen Inyega

Prof. Inyega is a Professor at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Educational Communication Technology and Pedagogical Studies. Her areas of expertise include language, literacy, learning assessments, special education, and early childhood education. She has led several initiatives on early language and literacy instruction and assessment, materials development, and capacity building for education personnel.

“I am honoured to join ESSA’s Board of Trustees,” Prof. Inyega said. “I look forward to contributing to the organisation’s mission and supporting its continued growth and impact across Africa.”

Among her numerous accolades, Prof. Inyega was honoured with the Outstanding Resource Mobiliser and Champion of Curriculum Innovation at the 2019 University of Nairobi @50 Outstanding Achiever Awards, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the University of Nairobi and the broader educational sector. In 2015, she received the prestigious World Literacy Council Award for being a transformative leader in literacy initiatives, further cementing her reputation as a key player in global literacy advocacy. Her efforts were also celebrated in 2009 when she won the National Book Development Council of Kenya’s Literary Award (Children’s Category) for her outstanding work in promoting children’s literature and education in Kenya.

Prof. Inyega’s contributions extend beyond academia; her leadership in various educational projects has been instrumental in fostering collaborations that enhance curriculum development, teacher preparation and professional development, and resource allocation. Her passion for literacy and education is reflected in her mentorship of young scholars, her advocacy for equitable access to learning, and her commitment to curriculum reform.