Accra: Regional Committee Calls on African Governments to Invest in Education and Teachers

The Education International Africa Regional Committee (EIARC) convened in Accra-Ghana, from November 11 to 13, 2024, at the Mensvic Grand Hotel. This important gathering focused on key issues affecting education across the continent and aimed to drive collaborative efforts toward achieving quality public education for all.
 
EIARC Chairperson, Mariama Chipkaou, underscored the need for robust support for the Go Public! Fund Education campaign and the newly developed Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2026-2035. Despite some progress in the education sector, inequities and teacher shortages persist. Chipkaou called for collective advocacy to promote better policies, ensure gender equality, and enhance the quality of education throughout Africa. “Together, let’s set ambitious goals for a brighter future!” she urged.
 
EI President, Mugwena Maluleke, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of unity in advocating for quality public education amidst ongoing global challenges. He highlighted the alarming statistic that 251 million children are currently out of school, stressing the need for increased investment in education and teachers to meet Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on Quality Education by 2030. Maluleke called for collective action to reclaim the narrative around education from private funders, ensuring that curricula reflect the values and histories of African communities. “Together, we can create a brighter future for every child and uplift the teaching profession across Africa!” he declared.
 
Another vital aspect discussed at the meeting was the importance of gender equality, including the equitable participation of women in union structures, activities and society. Haldis Holst, EI Deputy General Secretary, urged EI member organisations in the region to continue with the fight for gender equity and against School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). Holst also gave an overview of recent global developments in the field of education, urging the Committee to ensure that the Recommendations of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession are fully implemented. 
 
In a significant development, the EIARC Chairperson officially launched a research report, “Barriers to the Participation of Young Educators in Education Unions & Leadership Roles in Africa.” This research sheds light on the challenges young educators face and aims to drive meaningful change within unions. Members are encouraged to join the conversation and support efforts to empower the next generation of education leaders. Dr. Dennis Sinyolo, the EI Africa Director, launched the inaugural edition of "The African Educator," a magazine designed to represent the voices of teachers and education support personnel across Africa.
 
The discussions and outcomes from the meeting are crucial in shaping the future of education in Africa and ensuring that all voices are heard in the quest for quality public education. As the EIARC continues its work, the commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and unity amongst education unions remains at the forefront of its mission. 
 

[Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:03:18 +0000] | DIGG THIS


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