CHALAN AT COMPARATIVE AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SOCIETY (CIES) CONFERENCE 2026

Chalan Foundation, in partnership with WiseEd, participated in the 2026 Comparative and International Education Society Conference in San Francisco, one of the most influential global convenings in the education sector.

CIES is the largest and oldest of forty-seven comparative and international education societies worldwide, bringing together over 3,500 members from more than 1,000 universities, research institutions, government bodies, NGOs, and multilateral organizations. The conference serves as a crucial platform for advancing global understanding of education systems, policies, and practices through comparative and international perspectives.

During the conference, Chalan Foundation contributed to global dialogue by sharing grounded and community-driven insights from its work across Kenya. This included presenting key findings from its baseline survey, which highlights the systemic barriers affecting learners. These barriers include poverty, gender inequality, health challenges, and infrastructure limitations, as well as their broader implications on equity and long-term stability.

The Foundation showcased children’s peace themed artwork from Nandi, offering a powerful and human centered perspective on how young learners understand and envision peace within their communities. These creative expressions served as a reminder that peacebuilding is not abstract. It is lived, experienced, and imagined by the very communities most affected by inequality.

Beyond presentations, Chalan actively engaged with global partners, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening education systems. These conversations focused on evidence-based and context driven strategies that position education not only as a tool for learning, but also as a foundation for long-term peace and social cohesion.

Participation in CIES 2026 marked a significant milestone for Chalan Foundation. It provided an opportunity to amplify the voices and experiences of Kenyan learners on a global stage, while strengthening partnerships that will support the continued advancement of inclusive, equitable, and peace centered education initiatives.