Kathryn Touré 2009 / CV / Page 7
Kathryn Touré
E-mail: · BP 5974 Fann, Dakar, SENEGAL
Phone: (223) 77178 3222 (m), 33864 0000 (o) · Fax: (223) 33 825 3255
I have almost 25 years of experience working internationally, in both the public and private sectors. I seek to use my research, training, management, education, technology, and partnership-building experience and skills to invest in people potential. I enjoy crossing borders and building bridges among different cultures and ways of learning, unlearning, thinking and doing.
EXPERIENCE
International Development Research Centre (IDRC), West and Central Africa Regional Office, Dakar, SENEGAL, Oct. 2008-present
Regional Director
Education Research Network for West and Central Africa (ERNWACA), Bamako, MALI, Aug. 2001-Sept. 2008
Regional Coordinator: Responsible for research and training programs as well as strategic planning, fundraising, project implementation, communication and publications. Coordinated relations with offices in 14 countries and with ministries of education and regional institutions in Africa and other partners in Europe, North America, and New Zealand. Managed transnational research projects on quality of education, education and ICT, education and HIV/AIDS, decentralization of social sectors, and non-formal and higher education as well as on other priority research areas. See www.rocare.org.
JPR Consultants (leading human resources consulting firm), Abidjan, COTE D’IVOIRE, 2001
Consultant: Consulted on training and professional development for national, regional, and international companies such as Ecobank and Coca-Cola.
Africa Online, Abidjan, COTE D’IVOIRE, 1996 - 2000
Customer Service Manager (from Aug. 2000): Restructured department to improve efficiency by 50% and increase customer retention by 20%. Trained all company staff on techniques for interfacing with clients. Set up training programs for clients in using internet.
Sales Manager and then interim Managing Director (Nov. 1999 – July 2000): Reoriented the company from a sales focus to a focus on quality service and customer satisfaction as a long-term strategy for business development. Cut costs by 40% making the company 55% more profitable.
Internet Business Solutions (IBS) division (Sept. 1998 – Oct. 1999): For Africa Online Côte d’Ivoire increased Web site development/hosting revenues by 500% and as Corporate Manager for IBS for Africa Online international exported proven strategies to other Africa Online offices in West, East and Southern Africa, including the launch of new product lines and pricing structures, a focus on high value sales, and the training of sales teams. Increased division revenues continent-wide by 23% over 1998.
Communications Coordinator (Sept. 1996 – Aug. 1998): Managed public relations, publicity and promotions, assuring a continued presence for Africa Online Côte d’Ivoire in the national and international media. Contributed to the vulgarization of Internet in Côte d’Ivoire through intensive training sessions with journalists and rigorous communication campaigns that created 95% notoriety for Africa Online. Negotiated deals for the launch of online versions of four major Ivorian newspapers.
Center for International and Comparative Studies (CICS) University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA, 1991 - 1996
Assistant Director: Developed, administered and evaluated research and instructional programs. Wrote grant proposals, raised funds and managed relations with funders. Developed training programs for secondary level instructors in the state, using the international resources of the University. Developed annual public programming plan (150 to 200 seminars, workshops, and conferences per year). Managed budgets totaling over US $1 million per year.
Results :
· Increased national and international visibility for the Center via innovative programs that attracted new professors and other intellectuals and professionals from around the world.
· Increased Center budget by obtaining new grant funding from public and private sources, both locally and nationally. Worked with organizations such as Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, Stanley Foundation, Iowa Humanities Board, US Department of Education, etc.
· Increased the percentage of international content in the curriculum, University-wide.
· Introduced networking and the internet to the Center; developed the fist course at the University to use the internet for distance learning (a course on the impact of the Internet in international development); increased Center efficiency by automating information management systems (database development) and by training staff on the new systems.
Perry and Windels (Wall Street law firm), New York City, USA, 1990 - 91
Consultant for one year to help set up this new company. Responsible for systems and technical operations and hiring and training of administrative staff. Also drafted legal documents.
Refugee Resettlement/Asylum Office, United Church Board for World Ministries (UCBWM), New York City, USA, 1986 - 90
Sponsorship Developer: Researched and coordinated nationwide sponsorship opportunities for refugees. Developed relations with international institutions such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the International Rescue Committee and the immigration service of the US government. Promoted refugee rights in American communities. Founded and edited national newsletter. Automated information management systems to liberate more staff time for intellectual work.
Translator (free lance) of development project reports (from French to English) from West Africa for funders in New York City, USA, 1987 - 90.
Hilton International Language Center, Abidjan, COTE D’IVOIRE, English language instructor, 1985 – 86.
EDUCATION
University of Montreal, Québec, Canada, 2006-2010
· Doctoral student in Education, thesis topic: “Pedagogical appropriation of technology by educators in Mali in West Africa for engaging learning and transforming practice”
University of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 1985-86
· Certificate in African History
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, 1981-86
· Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations
· BA en French
· BA en Humanities
· made Honor Roll each semester and graduated with Distinction; Grade Point Average of 3.7/4.0 (18.5/20)
Study Abroad through the Georgetown University International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
· University of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 1985-86
· University of Grenoble, France, 1983-84
Additional Training:
· “Service Plus” for Total Customer Satisfaction, by Development Dimensions International out of Mauritius, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, November 1999
· Excellence in Management, by Dale Carnegie, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, December 1999
· Colloquium on Research in Urban Africa, University of Iowa, USA
· Internetworking and Development, University of Iowa, USA,
· Women in African History, University of Iowa, USA, 1995
· World Refugee Situation, Columbia University, New York City, USA, 1989
LANGUAGES
English (excellent), French (very good), Spanish (fair), Chinese, Bambara, Tagbana and Wolof (notions)
PUBLICATIONS / PAPERS
Karsenti, T., Tchombe T., Touré, K., Ngamo, S., Maïga, M. (forthcoming in 2009 or 2010). ICT for quality education in the 21st century: Lessons from pioneering schools in Africa. Book with 11 chapters.
Toure, K. (forthcoming in 2009). Appropriating and making technologies work for you in teaching and learning: depth is of essence / Qu’est-ce que s’approprier les TIC? Chapter in Guide for teachers entitled Intégration pédagogique des TIC: stratégies d’action, pistes de réflexion by ERNWACA (Bamako, Mali) and University of Montreal (Canada).
Toure, K. Developing quality partnerships for quality research. (2008). NORRAG News, no. 41, on the Politics of Partnerships. The Graduate Institute, Geneva, Switzerland:
Butaré, I., & Toure, K. (2008). Questionnement sur les liens de la recherche avec les autres missions de l’Université. Papier présenté à la Conférence régionale UNESCO sur l’enseignement supérieur en Afrique: promotion de la science la technologie, la recherche et l’innovation, Dakar, Sénégal, 12 November.
Toure, K., Tchombé, T.M.S., & Karsenti, T. (2008). ICT and Changing Mindsets in Education / Repenser l’éducation à l’aide des TIC. Collection of 16 edited papers, in French and in English, from 19 researchers. Bamenda, Cameroon: Laanga; Bamako, Mali: ERNWACA / ROCARE.
www.rocare.org/ChangingMindsets
Toure, K., Diarra, M.L., Karsenti, T., Ngamo, S. (2008). Reflections on cultural imperialism and pedagogical possibilities emerging from youth encounters with internet in Africa. In K. Toure, TM.S. Tchombe, & T. Karsenti, (Eds.), ICT and Changing Mindsets in Education / Repenser l’éducation à l’aide des TIC (pp. 7-24). Bamenda, Cameroon: Laanga; Bamako, Mali: ERNWACA / ROCARE.
www.rocare.org/ChangingMindsets/pdf/ch02-ICTandChangingMindset.pdf
Toure, K., Diarra, M.L., Karsenti, T., Ngamo, S. (2008). Réflexions sur l’impérialisme culturel et les possibilités pédagogiques, émergeantes des rencontres des jeunes en Afrique avec internet. In K. Toure, TM.S. Tchombe, & T. Karsenti, (Eds.), ICT and Changing Mindsets in Education / Repenser l’éducation à l’aide des TIC (pp. 25-44). Bamenda, Cameroon: Laanga; Bamako, Mali: ERNWACA / ROCARE.
www.rocare.org/ChangingMindsets/pdf/ch03-ICTandChangingMindset.pdf
Tchombe, T.M.S., Maiga, M., Toure, K., Mbangwana, M., Diarra, M.L., & Karsenti, T. (2008). Getting ready for higher education: the role of ICT in secondary schools / Être prêt pour l’Université: le rôle des TIC dans l’enseignement secondaire. Paper for the ADEA Biennale in Maputo, Mozambique, May.
Toure, K., Dolo, S., Dembélé, O.O., Ouattara, K. (Eds). (2008). Travaux des jeunes chercheurs de Kalanso à Bamako au Mali. Collection de 13 rapports de recherche des élèves de l’atelier de recherche de 7ème année
www.rocare.org/publications/KALANSO_rapports_de_recherche.pdf
Toure, K. (2006). Understanding conflict’s impact on education in Africa, in Forced Migration Review, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Toure, K. (2005). Promoting skills development and education research in Africa. NORRAG News, No. 35 on Critical Perspectives on Gender, Education, and Skills in West and Central Africa at Basic and Post-Basic Levels.
Toure, K. (2005). Promouvoir le développement de compétences et la recherche en éducation en Afrique, La Lettre de NORRAG, No. 35, sur Perspectives Critiques sur le genre, l’éducation et les compétences en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre aux niveaux primaire et post-primaire, pp. 7-10, Université d’Edimbourg, Ecosse, Royaume-Uni, Institut Universitaire d’Etudes du Développement (IUED), Genève, Suisse et, ROCARE, Bamako, Mali, août.
www.norrag.org/pdf/f/ln11f.pdf.
Konate, M.K., & Toure, K. (2004). Réponses de la recherche face à l’impact du VIH/SIDA sur les systèmes éducatifs en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre / Education Research Response to HIV/AIDS in West and Central Africa. Rapport final d’atelier / Workshop Final Report. Bamako, Mali: ROCARE / ERNWACA.
www.rocare....insert URL
Obanya, P., & Toure, K. (2003). Emerging Trends in Research on the Quality of Education: A Synthesis of Educational Research Reviews from 1992-2002 in eleven countries of West and Central Africa. Bamako, Mali: ERNWACA. www.rocare.org/ROCARE_SYNTHESIS_ADEA_Emerging.pdf
Toure, K., & Lefoka, P. (2003). Formative Research to support education policy implementation in Africa. White paper for Working Group on Education Sector Analysis (WGESA), Biennale of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) on the Quest for Quality: Learning from the African Experience; Grand Baie, Mauritius, 3-6 December.
CONFERENCE AND SEMINAR PARTICIPATION
Toure, K., & Ayuk, E. (2009). Research to Policy: Processes and Synergies. For meeting on Promoting Development through Research, Advocacy and Policy in Africa: The Role of Grantmaking, co-hosted by Trust Africa and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dakar, Senegal, 24-26 March..
Toure, K. (2008). Appropriation des technologies en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre pour un apprentissage en profondeur et la transformation du processus d’enseignement. Présentation par affiche au 76ième congrès de l’Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS), Québec, Canada, 5-9 mai.
Toure, K. (2007). Education sector analysis in West and Central Africa: Contributions of a research network, for seminar on education sector peer review processes for Working Group on Education Sector Analysis (WGESA) of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), Windhoek, Namibia, 13 June.
Toure, K. (2007). Suivi, évaluation, et recherche dans le secteur de l’éducation, presentation for School Fees Abolition Initiative (SFAI) conference, organized by Ministry of Education, Unicef, ADEA, and World Bank, Bamako, Mali, 22 June.
Toure, K. (2006). Education, Violence, Conflict and Peace Building in Africa, presentation at Conference on Education, Inequity and Conflict: Research, Policy, Practice, Exeter College, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom, 11-12 April.
Toure, K. (2006). Using formative research to create a learning environment to inform education policy implementation and educational system regeneration in Africa. Presentation for Working Group on Education Sector Analysis (WGESA), Biennale of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), Libreville, Gabon, 27-31 March.
Toure, K. (2005). Education Perspectives on Governance and Equity. Wrap-up Reflections for IDRC Governance, Equity and Health (GEH) Partners’ Conference focusing on “Governance” at the interplay of health, equity and financing, Saly Portudal, Senegal, 25-30 April.
Toure, K. (2005). Suivi et évaluation de l’éducation préventive sur le VIH/SIDA dans l’éducation formelle et non formelle. Présentation pour le Séminaire sous-régional UNESCO sur l’Education préventive sur les IST et le VIH/SIDA à l’école: échanges d’expériences, définition des normes et standards des programmes d’enseignement, Bamako, Mali, 8 février.
Toure, K. (2004). Consolidating research quality to inform education policy and practice in Africa. Presentation for Steering Committee seminar of Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), Cavanne-de-Bogis, Switzerland, 14-15 April.
Toure, K. (2004). How can IDRC better incorporate education research in its programs? Presentation for Sub-Saharan African Regional Matrix Meeting of International Research and Development Center (IDRC), Dakar, Senegal, 20-22 January.
Toure, K. (2002). Education Research Networking in West and Central Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. Presentation for Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) annual conference on Social Construction of Marginality: Globalization’s Impact on the Disenfranchised Orlando, Florida, USA, 6-9 March.
Toure, K. (2002). Recherche régional en réseau: le cas du ROCARE. Présentation pour le Colloque national sur la Professionnalisation de la formation des enseignants et le développement national, ENS de l’Université de Yaoundé I et le Ministre de l’Enseignement Supérieur avec le ROCARE-Cameroun et l’UNESCO, Yaoundé, Cameroun, 28-29 mai.
ECOWAS conference of education ministers on regional integration in pursuance of education for sustainable development, Dakar, Senegal, 21-24 August 2002.
International NGO consultative technical meeting on the improvement of partnerships to reach the international goals related to gender equality in education, United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), ILO, Geneva, Switzerland, 26-28 June 2002.
Regional conference on Strategies for Advancing Girls’ Education (SAGE), Elmina, Ghana, 6-9 May 2002.
Toure, K. (2000). Role of the Internet Service Provider in Telecommunications in Africa. Presentation for the International Telecommunications Union’s Summit on “Internet and Telecommunications in Africa,” Banjul, Gambia, 5June.