1. AFRA Network for Education in Nuclear Science and Technology
Dr. Nadir O. Hashim
Department of Physics
Kenyatta University
National Coordinator – AFRA-NEST
Mr. Felix Wanjala
Assistant Liaison Officer
Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board
AFRA Counterparts Meeting at NACOSTI, 15 – 17 Nov. 2017, Nairobi, KENYA

2. Outline Regional Nuclear Education Networks AFRA-NEST National NESTS
Introduction
Objectives
Strategies
Functions
Network Structure
Achievements
National NESTS
Roles
Benefits
Towards KEN-NEST

3. Regional Nuclear Education Networks
STAR - NET

4. AFRA - NEST
AFRA-NEST was Conceived at the AFRA Ministerial Conference held in Aswan in 2007
The Africa Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research Development and Training related to Science and Technology (AFRA) established the AFRA Network for Education in Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA-NEST) in order to implement AFRA strategy on Human Resource Development (HRD) and Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM).

5. Objectives of AFRA – NEST 1
The main objective of AFRA-NEST is to facilitate operation and networking in higher education, training and related research in Nuclear Science (NS&T) in the African Region through:
Sharing of information and materials of nuclear education and training;
Developing harmonized approaches for education in nuclear science and technology in Africa by establishing reference curricula and facilitating mutual recognition of degrees;

6. Objectives of AFRA – NEST 2
Promoting effective cooperation and sharing of resources and capabilities at national and regional level;
Facilitating the exchange of students, teachers and researchers;
Serving as facilitator for communication between the network member organizations and other regional networks.

7. AFRA – NEST Strategy
The strategies for implementing the objectives are
to use ICT for web-based education and training,
recognition of Regional Designated Centres (RDCs) for professional nuclear education in nuclear science and technology,
organization of harmonized and accredited programs at tertiary levels and awarding of fellowships/scholarships to young and brilliant students for teaching and research in the various nuclear disciplines.

8. Functions of AFRA - NEST
The main function of the AFRA-NEST is to;
foster sustainable human resource development and nuclear knowledge management to satisfy the needs of African countries with/without higher education in the priority areas of non-power and power applications of nuclear energy.
host the Cyber Learning Platform for Nuclear Education and Training for the AFRA region (Ghana)
AFRA-NEST is to integrate all available higher education capabilities in Africa as well as the industries in nuclear professional associations in synergy with existing IAEA and other regional/international nuclear educational institutions.
AFRA-NEST is also to focus on encouraging senior nuclear professionals to share their experience and knowledge of young generation.

9. AFRA – NEST Priority Areas, Management Topics and Working Groups

10. Proposed AFRA-NEST Network Structure
Kenya
(KEN-NEST)
Nigeria
(e.g. NGN-NEST)
South Africa
(SAN-NEST)
Egypt
(e.g. EGN-NEST)
Etc.
AFRA-NEST National Coordination

11. AFRA-NEST Achievements
1st General Assembly on Networking Nuclear Education and Training Tanzania26-30 Aug 2013
Cooperative Agreement b/w ENEN, AFRA-NEST, ANENT & LANENT IAEA HQGC 57, 2013
CS on Education Capability Assessment and Planning Framework IAEA HQ20-24 Jan 2014
AFRA-NEST Coordinators Seminar Abuja, Nigeria1-5 Dec 2014
AFRA-NEST Working group Workshop on Education Capability Assessment and Planning IAEA HQ1-5 Jun 2015
2nd General Assembly Zambia7-11 Dec 2015

12. Networking and Projects Formulation
AFRA-NEST 1st General Assembly, August 2013, Arusha, Tanzania

13. Knowledge Market Place
AFRA-NEST 1st General Assembly, August 2013, Arusha, Tanzania

14. Role of the National NEST
Participating in the ECAP Process, including development of national benchmarks and a strategy for education capability
Monitor the sustainability of the nuclear education programmes by conducting an annual national audit of the indicators
Preparing, distributing and compiling information related to HRD and NKM at national level, including visits to monitor, guide and evaluate progress made at institutional levels.
Assisting in the identification of crucial needs in HRD and NKM and in the solutions of address them
Participating in regular meetings to monitor and calibrate progress in the field of HRKD
Providing information and data about HRD and NKM from the sector he/she represents.
Participating in drafting questionnaires and reports related to HRD and NKM

15. Benefits of National NESTs
Widening academic and industrial collaboration, knowledge transfer and outreach;
Facilitating access to nuclear research facilities;
Developing harmonized approaches for education in NS&T in Africa by establishing reference curricula and facilitating recognition of degrees.
Implementation of National NESTs complement the work of the HLSC and AFRA-NEST at the regional level.
11/29/2018

16. AFRA-NEST Upcoming Events
Educational Capacity Assessment Planning (ECAP)
The main purpose of ECAP self assessment is;
To understand existing strengths & development areas to enhance government education and industry interaction and coordination
To help prioritize areas for action in Nuclear Science
To support the implementation of an ECAP Assist Mission
Also supports these broader objectives:
To evaluate existing knowledge management practices
Determines areas in need of improvement
Provides feedback needed for improvement
Ensures KM supports informed decision making (all levels)
Ensures KM objectives aligned with strategy
To communicate management goals or priorities
To promote and motivate desired behaviour of employees (motivate knowledge sharing etc.)
To stimulate learning and innovation
The process can also be used for an independent, external review of an NPP operating organization in addition to a self assessment.
The IAEA guideline (TECDOC-1586) is titled “Planning and Executing Knowledge management assist Missions for Nuclear organisations” 16

17. Towards KEN-NEST Baseline survey of stake holders (2013-15)
Human Capacity
Research and Training Facilities
Future Projections
Formation of KEN-NEST (2016 -)
Stake Holder Input
Networking and Resource Mobilization
Locally and Regionally
Joint Training and NKM programs

18. Thank You
Dr. Nadir Hashim