An Evening with Joanna Hrm

Come along to Blackwell’s in Edinburgh for an engaging talk by Dr. Joanna Härmä on Wednesday, 2nd July at 7pm, where she will discuss her latest work, *How the New Education Establishment Betrayed the World’s Poorest Children: Broken Promises, Broken Schools*, released by Bloomsbury Academic in February 2025. This compelling book chronicles the author’s two-decade-long journey, blending practical experiences with intellectual insights. It critically examines the widely accepted notion of education as a transformative force and the urgency to implement it rapidly on a large scale, while highlighting the near-impossible challenges in achieving local, national, and international educational goals. Drawing from 20 years of firsthand experience in a specific region of Uttar Pradesh, India, the book integrates historical records, as well as primary and secondary data from various African nations. It explores diverse educational models, including public, private, and hybrid systems.

Dr. Joanna Härmä is an accomplished author and researcher with a deep focus on low-cost private schooling for underserved communities in countries such as India, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Mozambique. Her research, often supported by donor and foundation initiatives, extends to other educational and developmental issues across additional African and Asian regions. During her time in Nigeria, she spearheaded the first-ever comprehensive survey of private schools in Lagos and conducted further studies in areas like Kwara State and Abuja. Beyond this, she has contributed to various projects in Liberia, Malawi, and Bangladesh. Her debut book, *Low-fee Private Schooling and Poverty in Developing Countries*, was also published by Bloomsbury Academic in 2021.

– Doors open at 6:30pm, with the event commencing at 7pm; early arrival is recommended to secure a favorable seat.
– Tickets are priced at £3, with an additional Ticket & Book package available, which includes a signed copy of Dr. Härmä’s new book.
– The venue offers level access, seating for all attendees, and microphone use by speakers. If you have accessibility concerns, please reach out, and we will strive to meet your requirements.
– Refund requests are considered individually, but refunds cannot be issued after the event has taken place.
– For further details or to arrange a signed copy if you’re unable to attend, please get in touch with the Blackwell’s events team at 0131 622 8222 or via email at [email protected].

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