Oak Foundation’s Post

Education being a crucial tool to boost development in Africa.

Investing in education is crucial to build lasting peace and prosperity in Western & Central Africa. Let's continue strengthening education systems and leveraging every available tool to achieve impactful learning outcomes! More in my Op-Ed: https://lnkd.in/ezwTCh2K #EducationDay

Education in Africa. Placing equity at the heart of policy. Continental report The report, jointly conducted by UNESCO and the African Union, is the first in what will become a regular stocktaking of education in Africa. It analyses progress made towards achieving the goals sets out in the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025 and Sustainable Development Goal 4, and also outlines ongoing efforts and remaining challenges in the sector. https://lnkd.in/dduy8HgW

What a year it has been and working in the Education space brings with it more of the exciting and impactful moments to remember. Meeting major players in the sector brings insights that inform interventions. Recently we met the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and his team as we chat the way forward in supporting Education in Zimbabwe. There is so much to be done and partnership with local support will be a game changer in the coming years. At continental level The African Union (AU) declared 2024 as the Year of Education. This is a campaign to increase access to quality education across the continent. The theme for the year is "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa". All players complement government efforts, looking forward to a brilliant 2025.

Imagine a continent brimming with untapped potential, where the dreams of millions are stifled by the shackles of limited opportunities. Now, picture a future where Africa rises as a beacon of progress and prosperity, fueled by the transformative force of quality education. This isn't just a dream; it's a vision waiting to be realized. Africa, rich in culture and diversity, has endured centuries of oppression and marginalization. But amidst the challenges lies a beacon of hope: education. The key to unlocking Africa's future isn't just about access to education; it's about ensuring that every learner receives a quality education that empowers them to thrive. Statistics reveal the stark reality: according to UNESCO, over 32 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school, with many facing barriers such as poverty, conflict, and gender inequality. Yet, examples from across the continent showcase the transformative power of education. Take Rwanda, for instance, a country torn apart by genocide but now making strides in education. With a focus on improving teacher training and curriculum quality, Rwanda has seen remarkable progress in literacy rates and educational outcomes. In Ghana, investments in early childhood education have yielded significant dividends, with a noticeable improvement in school readiness and learning outcomes among young children. Africa's future hinges on its ability to prioritize and invest in quality education. Beyond the moral imperative, there are tangible benefits: a well-educated population drives economic growth, fosters innovation, and builds resilient communities. What are your thoughts on Africa's journey towards offering quality education? How do you envision education shaping the continent's future? Share your insights in the comments below. Himannshu Sharma, COSCU #HimannshuSharma #COSCU #QualityEducation #AfricaRising #EducationForAll #EmpowerAfrica #FutureLeaders

The African Union has named 2024 as the Year of Education - a critical opportunity to double down on our commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning so that more children can get a quality education. This piece in New African Magazine discusses the practical avenues we are pursuing for how governments, researchers, funders, and corporate partners can come together to work toward achieving this goal. #evidence #education #Ghana #cotedivoire

Reflecting on the Barriers to Quality Education in Africa. The results speak for themselves and it’s so accurate. Thank you to everyone who participated in my recent poll on the biggest barriers to quality education for young Africans. The results are clear and eye-opening. These results emphasize the pressing need for affordable, relevant, and accessible education across the continent. What do you think can be done to make education more affordable and accessible in Africa? At KPB Education (Karatou Post Bac) and our NGO Karatou Pour Tous, we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on by helping students secure scholarships and educational resources that can open doors to world class higher education. Through our initiatives, we aim to reduce the financial burden on students by connecting them with scholarship opportunities and providing guidance on applications. For many, this is a critical step toward achieving their educational and career goals despite economic limitations. Additionally, we’re working to ensure that students receive education aligned with the needs of the 21st century. Whether it’s through mentorship, workshops, or providing resources for personal and professional growth, we are dedicated to empowering young Africans to rise above these barriers. Together, we can create pathways to a brighter, more inclusive future for Africa’s youth. 🌍 #EducationForAll #YouthEmpowerment #Africa #KPB_Education #KaratouPourTous #Scholarships #InnovationInEducation #FutureOfAfrica

Enhancing Education in Africa: Challenges, Initiatives, and the Path Forward

Happy Africa Day 🎉 🎊 !!!! The Africa Day theme 2024 is Education Fit for the 21st Century, which focuses on building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. Africa is pivotal, with education as the cornerstone for its socio-economic development and global competitiveness. However, the continent faces multifaceted challenges in providing accessible, high-quality, and relevant education to its diverse population. Challenges Facing African Education Systems: 1. **Access Disparities**: Despite progress, millions of African children still lack access to basic education due to factors like poverty, gender inequality, and conflict. 2. **Quality Disparities**: Disparities in the quality of education persist, with rural and marginalised communities often receiving substandard education. 3. **Relevance Gap**: The curriculum often fails to align with the demands of the 21st-century economy, resulting in a mismatch between skills acquired and market needs. 4. **Lifelong Learning Deficit**: Lifelong learning opportunities are limited, hindering adults' ability to adapt to evolving job markets and technological advancements. Governments, private and public institutions, and individuals need to develop strong partnerships to build resilient education systems. 1. **Investment in Infrastructure and Resources**: Governments and international partners must prioritise investment in schools, technology, and teacher training to improve access and quality. 2. **Equity-Cantered Policies**: Policies should eliminate gender disparities, prioritise marginalised communities, and provide equal opportunities for all learners. 3. **Curriculum Reform**: Curricula should be redesigned to incorporate 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. 4. **Teacher Professional Development**: Continuous training and support for educators are essential to enhance teaching quality and effectiveness. 5. **Promotion of Lifelong Learning**: Governments and institutions should create avenues for adult education, vocational training, and upskilling programs to ensure lifelong learning opportunities for all. However, one cannot overlook the role of technology in education transformation. Technology integration has the potential to bridge gaps and enhance learning outcomes. However, it must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure, digital literacy training, and safeguards to ensure equitable access and protect data privacy. With strategic investments, innovative approaches, and collaborative partnerships, Africa can empower its citizens to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. https://lnkd.in/eFNTNqyy #AFRICADAY #EDUCATIONPARTNERSHIPS #TECHCAREERS #STEMCAREERS #EDTECH

Education plays a crucial role in personal development, societal progress, and economic growth. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” by Nelson Mandela is one of the most famous sayings on the value of education. While many African countries are still developing, some have shown significant educational progress. #EducationSystems #AfricaEducation #TopCountries #Seychelles #NigeriaEducation https://lnkd.in/ddqFQCsj