The Centre for the Advancement of Rural and Inclusive Education (CARIER), launched on 17 September 2025, is established to focus on rural and inclusive education. The centre’s mission is to align with SPU’s vision of social justice and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasises quality education.

Under the directorship of Dr Kevin Teise, CARIER aims to conduct impactful research to benefit marginalised and rural communities in South Africa and the Northern Cape. The centre plans to use its research to influence educational curricula and policy, and to provide evidence-based support to policymakers. A core objective is to strengthen research capacity within the Faculty of Education by supporting postgraduate students and early-career researchers.

The centre will also focus on increasing overall research activity and in future establishing a reputable, accredited academic journal. It recognises that collaboration is essential and will seek to build partnerships with local and international institutions to achieve its goals. CARIER’s long-term vision is to have an international footprint, impacting on rural and inclusive education beyond South Africa’s borders.