EIA holds Leadership Training for Young Educators in Southern Africa

The 2025 Southern Africa Young Educators Network (SAYEN) Leadership Training took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together 23 young educators from 10 Southern African countries, namely, South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Angola, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia under the Theme; “Young Educators on the Move for Quality Education.” Organized by Education International Africa (EIA), as part of the Promoting Education and Educators’ Rights (PEER) project activities, supported by OAJ and SASK of Finland, the event served as both a capacity-building workshop and a platform for reflecting on regional and global education frameworks, with a strong emphasis on youth participation in education unions and leadership roles.
 
A key focus was the review of the SAYEN Research findings on Barriers to the Participation of Young Educators in Education Unions and Leadership Roles in Africa. The study highlighted persistent challenges such as limited decision-making access, generational divides, lack of mentorship, and insufficient institutional support and involvement of young educators. These findings reinforced the need for education unions to adopt leadership development, intergenerational inclusion, financial empowerment, inclusive governance, effective communication, technology and perception change.
 
Dr. Dennis Sinyolo, Regional Director of EIA, addressed the participants with emphasis on Education as a fundamental human right and a public good. Participants reviewed Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Discussions emphasized advocacy at the national levels by education unions with SDG4 priorities, particularly on teacher development and lifelong learning. Additionally, the training explored strategies for implementing the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2026–2035, identifying young educators as crucial actors in advancing quality education, equity, and gender equality.
 
The program reaffirmed the vital role of young educators—not only as future leaders but as active changemakers driving union reform and quality education. Sessions on communication and conflict management equipped participants with leadership tools for negotiation, effective communication skills, and fostering unity within education unions.
 
The event underscored the importance of creating inclusive leadership pathways for young educators.
 

[Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:32:34 +0000] | DIGG THIS


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