We research teachers’ wellbeing, professional agency, and working conditions, as well as the school management and administrative practices that affect them in East Africa
The research project led by HAMK collects research data using various methods, such as questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with teachers, school principals, and government officials responsible for education policy.
The study covers education from early childhood to elementary school and secondary education.
“Our goal is to deepen research-based knowledge of education policy and practices related to teacher training, wellbeing, motivation, and commitment, and to make recommendations for tackling teacher retention and shortage in East Africa,” says Teija Lehtonen, Project Manager at HAMK Edu Research Unit.
The research questions focus on the following themes:
- Teacher training and education policy in three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan.
- Teachers’ professional agency, motivation, wellbeing, and commitment to the profession.
- Teachers’ working conditions, e.g., resources, school leadership, and administrative practices.
- Practices in different working conditions, e.g., in rural areas, cities, and fragile contexts.
Our partners collected data in 10 different rural and urban areas in Tanzania during October and November 2025. Approximately 450 teachers from different educational levels responded to the questionnaire. 40 school principals and 15 education officials were interviewed. Partners in South Sudan are currently collecting research data in Maridi and Juba regions. In Kenya, data collection will begin in January 2026.
Project information
« Supporting Teacher Education, Wellbeing, and Retention via Informing Feasible Educational Policies and Incentives in Africa » (STEP-EA) project is being implemented in collaboration with five universities in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan: the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Mkwawa University College of Education, and the University of Juba.
The project is funded by the European Commission’s Global Gateway Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA) program and has a budget of 680,000 € for 2025-2026.
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