Divine Kpe, MEd.’s Post

We believe in a South Africa rich with possibilities, where the fundamental human right of access to quality education is solved for all. Because education ignites possibilities. We strive for a South Africa where our institutions are untouchable, our Constitution is upheld and democracy flourishes, multiplying the potential to thrive. We are committed to tackling the status quo, shifting mindsets and pushing forward to influence systemic change across the entire education spectrum. We’re doing it now, as time is of the essence. We’re leveraging our funding and convening power to support a variety of enabling and equitable opportunities for everyone: 🖍️ Early childhood development (ECD) and youth development – enabling universal access by supporting 210 000 young people to become ECD practitioners, with 200 000 more to be employed in the sector by 2030: https://brnw.ch/21wOZ2m ✏️ Basic education – improving the quality of teaching by flooding the system with new, dynamic and highly skilled foundation phase teachers: https://brnw.ch/21wOZ2q 🎓 Higher education – supporting exceptional talent at multiple levels to build the local academy, so they wield influence and lead in South Africa and beyond: https://brnw.ch/21wOZ2o ⚖️ Social justice – building social justice and a robust democracy by supporting policy advocacy, research and investigative journalism: https://brnw.ch/21wOZ2p 🎭 Arts and culture – nurturing young talent through exposure to the arts and supporting platforms for them to shine: https://brnw.ch/21wOZ2n #OMT #ECD #BasicEducation #HigherEducation #ArtCulture #SocialJustice

Ishu Bansal asked in my most recent post, “Can you share any tips on effectively combining academic rigor with grassroots action for sustainable development in Africa?” Here are my thoughts Combining academic rigor with grassroots action for sustainable development in Africa requires a careful balance of research-based insights and community-centered approaches. Some key strategies I’ve found effective are: 1. Start with Evidence-Based Insights Ground your projects in robust research. Understanding the local context through data collection, fieldwork, and relevant academic theories ensures that solutions address actual needs rather than assumed ones. For example, the Theory of Dual Economy can help identify and bridge gaps between rural and urban economies in Africa. 2. Engage Stakeholders at Every Level Collaboration is essential. Engage local leaders, NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector to ensure inclusivity and resource mobilization. Grassroots efforts thrive when communities take ownership of the solutions. 3. Bridge Policy and Practice Translate academic findings into actionable, scalable interventions and not just a piece in the body of literature. Advocate for evidence-based policies while piloting grassroots projects to showcase practical outcomes. 4. Leverage Technology and Innovation Digital tools, data analytics, and platforms for communication can amplify impact. Use them to monitor progress, share best practices, and create efficient systems. 5. Focus on Capacity Building Empower communities through education and skill-building. Equip individuals with the knowledge to sustain projects independently after the initial intervention. Let me share an example One instance where I successfully merged academic rigor with grassroots action was during the first stage of the Talent Education Initiative I led through my NGO, the Prince Child Development Foundation. I applied insights from my academic research on gifted and talent education (GATE) into youth development and global development theories to design a project that can identify and nurtured talents among children in rural communities across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Before implementing the project, my team conducted surveys and interviews. This academic approach helped us design tailored talent discovery worksheet, and awareness projects in schools in rural communities. Over 2,000 youths were directly reached in 2023. And now in the second stage of our project we are piloting an art education project. This experience taught me that sustainable development happens when you connect the depth of academic knowledge with the authenticity and immediacy of grassroots action. #socialdevelopment #academicresearch #policyresearch #talenteducation #impactcatalyst

Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 28 of the UNCRC both guarantee the right to education for all. Nevertheless, reports show that over 240 million children and young people around the world are still deprived of education. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of out-ofschool youths, totaling 98 million, with Nigeria contributing 20 million, making it the third-highest globally.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Despite the UN's focus on education, many children and young people, particularly those in vulnerable or remote areas, still lack fair access to quality education, hindering efforts to address various societal issues. To reduce the number of out-of-school children and youth, the integration of Educational Technology (EdTech) needs to be promoted as a way to enhance teaching and learning. At SOAAR, we leverage #Edtech to improve educational outcomes, delivering high-quality education to Nigerian children and youth. We do this by creating digital learning hubs and educational spaces that equip our learners with strong moral values and globally relevant skills, equipping them with the foundation needed to make a positive and transformative impact in the world. #Edtech drives inclusive education for a sustainable future for Africa and the world. #Education #DigitalTransformation #YouthEmpowerment #Innovation #PoweringParity #UNGA79 #invincibleAfricanWomen

Africa's response to the education crisis demands a coordinated effort by development partners in support of country efforts. At Ministerial breakfast at the 2024 Education World Forum in London, African Ministers highlighted the critical need for development partners to coordinate, stop cherry picking and develop and implement single unified Foundational Learning programs that bring literacy and numeracy together.  Ministers also highlighted that supporting countries' to-scale programs can’t be achieved without rigorous and pedagogically sound Technical Assistance, implementation evidence, and strong partnerships. African leaders, development partners, implementers, and all stakeholders must come together. Imagine development partners working as one, delivering comprehensive FLN programs that include a holistic package of Structured Pedagogy and Teaching at the Right Level. Now picture African nations like Zambia sharing success stories like the "Teaching at the Right Level" model, all fueled by data-driven insights. Collaboration is the key to unlocking a brighter educational future for Africa's children. Let's break down silos, leverage data, focus on pedagogical rigor and evidence by working together to build a solid foundation for the continent's future! Read the joint statement below from Hon. Douglas Syakalima, Zambia Minister of Education, and Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Founder and CEO of Human Capital Africa. 

Happy Africa Day! 🌍 Did you know this year's celebration theme is "Educate an African Fit For the 21st Century"? This theme revolves around shaping the future of education in Africa. I believe that shaping our educational future as a continent begins with making conscious efforts to ensure educational services are accessible to all, especially the girl child. Having the right infrastructures and resources readily available to support this is crucial. Additionally, integrating technology into our education systems can bridge the gap between traditional learning and the demands of the modern world, preparing our students for the global stage. In Ghana, several educational reforms are paving the way for a brighter future: 1. Free SHS (Senior High School): Ensuring every child can receive a secondary education without financial barriers. 2. Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP): Focused on improving the quality of education in low-performing basic education schools and strengthening education sector equity and accountability in Ghana. 3. Ghana Education Reforms: Comprehensive changes aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education. 4. GETFund (Ghana Education Trust Fund): Providing funding to improve infrastructure, facilities, and resources in educational institutions nationwide. Education is a powerful driver of socio-economic development. It creates opportunities, reduces inequalities, and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa, fostering a generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Let's celebrate Africa Day by committing to an educational transformation that equips every African for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Together, we can create a brighter future for our continent. #AfricaDay #YearofEducation #SocioEconomicDevelopment #Innovation #AfricaForward #BADSM

Congratulations to our program partner Teaching at the Right Level Africa (TaRL Africa) on celebrating their 5th anniversary during their just concluded 2024 conference!🎉🎉 TaRL Africa works with governments and partners in Africa to address an urgent challenge: without intervention, half of all primary students in Sub-Saharan Africa will enter adolescence without basic literacy and numeracy skills, negatively impacting their and the continent's future. Speaking in a panel session during the conference, Joel Kamoko from Zambia's Ministry of Education and our Director of Programs Abe Grindle, aptly summarized why we love the TaRL approach so much: Joel: "With TaRL, we found a methodology that was affordable, simple, used local materials and gave us confidence that we could have a literate population." Abe: "We would love to see TaRL Africa's evidence-based, simple and demand-driven approach institutionalized within public education systems so that it can embedded in every classroom." TaRL Africa's approach has proven effective and scalable in diverse contexts across 16 African countries, improving learning outcomes for 5.4 million children to date. By 2023, TaRL Africa aims to enable education systems in 20 countries to equip 20 million children with foundational skills. Now, that's a goal worth celebrating - and supporting! #FoundationalLearning #5YrsofTaRLAfrica #TaRLAfricaConf2024"

🌍 Addressing Africa’s Education Crisis with Purpose Africa has the largest number of out-of-school children in the world. Over 98 million young people lack access to quality education, leading to impacts on employment, innovation, and economic growth across the continent. Despite a young and vibrant population, limited internet access and a shortage of skilled teachers leave millions of African youth without the skills needed to compete globally. With only 75% literacy among young people, sub-Saharan Africa trails other regions in basic educational outcomes. At Wootlab Foundation, we are dedicated to closing these gaps through innovative digital education programs, empowering teachers, and fostering community-centered learning. Join us in shaping a brighter future for Africa’s youth and creating lasting change. 🌍 #WootlabFoundation #EmpowerThroughEducation #SDG4 #africa  @unesco @unicef @undp

🌍 Addressing Africa’s Education Crisis with Purpose Africa has the largest number of out-of-school children in the world. Over 98 million young people lack access to quality education, leading to impacts on employment, innovation, and economic growth across the continent. Despite a young and vibrant population, limited internet access and a shortage of skilled teachers leave millions of African youth without the skills needed to compete globally. With only 75% literacy among young people, sub-Saharan Africa trails other regions in basic educational outcomes. At Wootlab Foundation, we are dedicated to closing these gaps through innovative digital education programs, empowering teachers, and fostering community-centered learning. Join us in shaping a brighter future for Africa’s youth and creating lasting change. 🌍 #WootlabFoundation #EmpowerThroughEducation #SDG4 #africa  @unesco @unicef @undp

In today's educational landscape, the need for well-structured policies around education technology is more important than ever. As Africa pivots from traditional teaching methods, it’s clear that a comprehensive approach to #EdTech can make all the difference in learning outcomes. This month, #EdTechMondays Africa focuses on the role of policy in advancing EdTech in Africa, with insights from leaders like Ghana’s Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Sierra Leone’s Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Conrad Sackey. One key takeaway? Policy frameworks are essential in guiding the use of technology for meaningful and sustained impact in education. Tune in to this insightful discussion today, 7th October, 12 PM GMT | 2 PM SAST | 3 PM EAT on CNBC Africa (DStv ch410) or stream live on Mastercard Foundation #YoungAfricaWorks Facebook page and explore how African countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Ghana are making strides in EdTech policies to shape the future of learning. Joy Doreen Biira (JDB) | Conrad Sackey | Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum | Suraj Shah | Inspiring Teachers | Lavinniah Muthoni | Crystal Cheche | Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera PE PhD MRAeS MEng (Hons) | Betty Kubai | Sarah Waweru | Irene Kamau | Dennis Wekesa #EdTechAfrica #EdTechInnovation #EdTechPolicy #GreydaleAfrica #DigitalLearning #EducationForAll #AfricaEducation

Summary lessons from country case studies! The Government of Ghana recognizes the importance of its young population in building and developing the nation. With the youth population growing rapidly, the government has implemented policies and established institutions, such as the Youth Employment Agency, to support young people in gaining access to decent job opportunities in sectors such as agriculture. The government launched the National Youth Policy to specifically resolve the challenges faced by their youth, such as unemployment and lack of skills training. To meet the demand for a skilled workforce, the government focuses on the provision of free secondary education and improved access to quality tertiary education or specialized skills training, such as information and communication technologies (ICT) and entrepreneurship through the implementation of the Education Strategic Plan (2018-2030) to improve technical and vocational education. More from The Malabo Montpellier Panel's YOUTH report👇 https://shorturl.at/1quVz