By No. 1 Citizen
In celebration of Africa Day, the African Union (AU) has called on all stakeholders across sectors to join in a transformative journey of investing in education that is fit for the 21st century.
The AU underscored that education is not merely a foundational element for individual success, but a crucial pillar for the sustainable development and prosperity of the entire African continent.
“As we celebrate Africa Day with the theme ‘Education Fit for the 21st Century,’ we call upon all stakeholders across all sectors to join us in this transformative journey,” stated the AU in a statement.
“Education is a foundation for the sustainable development and prosperity of our entire continent, and your involvement is crucial to achieving the ambitious goals set out in Agenda 2063.”
Agenda 2063, the AU’s strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation, envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, with education playing a pivotal role.
The AU emphasized that modernizing educational systems to include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability is essential for harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend, fostering entrepreneurship, and competing effectively on the global stage.
For governments, the AU urged the allocation of more resources towards education, particularly for infrastructure, teacher training, and the integration of digital technologies.
The organization also called for the implementation of policies that promote inclusive and equitable education, ensuring that no child is left behind.
It further encourages educational institutions to integrate 21st-century skills into their curricula and embrace innovative teaching methods that cater to the digital age.
The AU also emphasized the importance of these institutions partnering with others to share best practices and resources.
For the private sector, Au urged them to fund scholarships, infrastructure projects, and technology initiatives that enhance educational quality and accessibility.
Additionally, the sector has been called upon to provide students with opportunities to gain real-world experience and develop skills relevant to the job market.
AU urged civil society organizations to advocate for policies that support educational improvements.
It also asked the civil society to work closely with communities to ensure that local needs and voices are included in educational planning and implementation.
The AU also called on individuals to volunteer their time, skills, or resources to support educational initiatives in their communities, as well as to stay informed about educational developments and advocate for necessary changes and improvements.
“Investing in education today is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Africa tomorrow,” the AU concluded.
“Together, we can transform our educational systems and unlock the vast potential of our continent.”