Kgopotso Radebe’s Post

New important report with a strong message and call to action #UnequalEducationUnequalFuture from All-Africa Students Union (AASU) and the 100 Million Campaign. It calls for action and confrontation of the injustices that continue to hold back an entire generation of children and young people in Africa: 📣 JOIN the MOVEMENT AND TAKE ACTION As the African proverb reminds us “if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”. Justice for Africa is a new youth and student-led global collective of organisations uniting to demand an end to the rigged international rules on tax, debt and aid that undermine education financing in Africa and reform of global institutions where African votes are worth less than others. Convened by the All Africa Students Union, 100 Million campaign, and Global Students Forum we invite any youth or student organisation that supports the call for Justice for Africa to join us here. Learn more and take action with us at www.100million.org 📣 EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS Unless we choose to educate ourselves and others about the modern injustices against Africa perpetuated by today’s generation then the injustice will continue. Educating ourselves on the reality of injustice in Africa allows us to actively challenge misinformation and negative framing, arms us with evidence of why education inequality is rising to refute false assumptions and makes us strong advocates for the changes needed to achieve Justice for Africa. 📣 ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE To end injustices and achieve education for all in Africa, governments and international institutions must act. High-income countries that unfairly dominate global governance must end their systemic discrimination of Africa and African governments must stop suppressing people protesting against extreme inequality but instead echo their demands in international fora. As a citizen, especially if you live in a democracy, your political representatives are supposed to work for you, advance your concerns, help build the country, international community and future you want to see. Use this power to loudly advocate for your government to deliver the recommendations below that could solve the rising education inequality crisis and transform the life chances of young people in Africa. Advocate on the streets, in letters, on social media, in meetings or during future Justice for Africa global mobilisations: make them impossible to ignore any longer. Eduard Beukman Fati N'zi-Hassane

African Minds Transforming Futures: Building Resilient Education Systems I was thrilled to virtually provide the keynote address at this year's The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Africa Summit, renowned for its commitment to exploring the complexities and opportunities across Africa's socio-economic landscape, and stands as a testament to the collective dedication needed from our youth to shape a more prosperous future for our continent. The theme of this year's summit highlights one of the most critical pillars of development in Africa: education. It is especially attuned to the AfricanUnion theme of this year: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”. Currently, nearly 20.2 million children in Nigeria are not in school, even though primary education is officially free and compulsory, and according to UNESCO, out of the 244 million children aged 6 to 18 not in school globally, more than 40%, or 98 million of them, live in sub-Saharan Africa. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa has been at the forefront of prioritising education by actioning advocacy, developing curriculums and educational materials, and producing policy papers to promote the implementation of health education in collaboration with local and global partners. These evidence-based learnings, guidance, and recommendations are currently being actualised through various programs such as the #WBFA Adolescent Skills and Drills, #PSHE #WASH program. Education is indispensable for productivity, progress, and prosperity, and it is essential to allocate sufficient resources to improve infrastructure, train teachers, and ensure that every child and adolescent has access to quality education. We must also address the root causes of inequality that perpetuate the cycle of educational deprivation by empowering marginalised communities, particularly women and girls, and by addressing cultural norms that hinder their access to education. #EducationForAll #WellbeingEconomy #TeenageTuesday

In a powerful address at #UNGA79, H.E. Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, laid out a vision that's gaining momentum across the continent. As African leaders and civil society increasingly unite behind a crucial cause, we're witnessing the birth of a movement that could reshape our future. The African Union has declared 2024 the Year of Education, but this is just the beginning. There's a growing chorus calling for a full decade dedicated to revolutionizing learning across Africa. Why? Because education isn't just a goal—it's the foundation upon which we'll build the Africa envisioned in Agenda 2063. Mahamat's words resonate deeply: "Education is a ray of hope and an engine for progress." It's the key to autonomy, the breaker of poverty's chains, and the bedrock of an enlightened, prosperous society. But the path ahead is challenging: 💰Financing: Even our higher middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa invest only a tenth of the global average in education. We need innovative funding solutions urgently. 👨🏫Teacher shortage: We're facing a staggering gap of 15-20 million teachers. How can we educate a continent without educators? 📊Quality crisis: The numbers are stark—90% of our children can't read a simple text by age ten. This isn't just an education gap; it's a chasm threatening our future. 🛡️Conflict and crisis: Education often bears the brunt of instability, with the most vulnerable paying the highest price. Yet, amidst these challenges, there's hope. The call for prioritizing foundational learning is growing louder. Leaders across Africa recognize that without strong basics, we can't build the workforce of tomorrow—a workforce that will be 80% youth in just two decades. We're not just talking about a year of education anymore. The vision is expanding. A decade of focused, innovative, and resilient educational development is on the horizon. It's a bold ambition, but one that's necessary if we're to create an education system that can withstand shocks and propel Africa forward. As we stand at this crossroads, the question for all of us is this: How can we contribute to this vision? How do we ensure that this decade of education becomes a reality, not just a dream? Share your thoughts, ideas, and commitments. This is more than a policy discussion—it's about shaping the future of a continent. #DecadeOfEducation #UNGA79 #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning #ReadWriteCount #DataForFoundationalLearning #SDGs #EvidenceBasedEducation

Education for All Children in Africa: The time is Now! On June 16, we commemorate the Day of the African Child This year’s theme underscores the urgent need to make quality education accessible to every child across the continent. Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of sustainable development, yet millions of African children are still denied this opportunity due to poverty, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure. June 16 is not just a day of remembrance but a call to action. 📍It challenges governments, communities, and international organizations to collaborate in overcoming the barriers to education. 📍Investing in education transforms lives, breaks the cycle of poverty, and promotes economic growth and social harmony. 📍Governments must prioritize education in their policies and budgets, ensuring that schools are equipped, teachers are trained, and learning environments are safe and inclusive. 📍Communities play a vital role in valuing education and supporting their children’s right to learn. 📍International organizations and donors must continue to provide resources, promoting partnerships that bridge gaps and promote innovative solutions. 📍Technology also offers promising solutions. Digital learning tools and internet connectivity can bring education to even the most remote areas, providing children with access to a world of knowledge and opportunities. As we observe the Day of the African Child, let us be inspired by the resilience and aspirations of the young people of Africa. The time is now to act, to invest in their futures, and to ensure that every child can rise, learn, and shine. African Union #education #health #dayoftheafricanchild #qualityeducation

"Does the current educational system across the African continent help children change their lives and those of their families?" "Does our educational system produce learners with the skills and potential to create jobs needed for economic growth and development?" "Or is our educational system only good at producing job-seekers?" The answers to these questions should guide us as a continent to rethink and review our educational system and models.African children deserve an education that empowers them to change the harsh socio-economic realities they face. They need educational outcomes that will serve as the weapon to transform Africa's struggling economy. As the Child Rights Network for Southern Africa, we urge the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, together with AU members, to invest in educational policies and programs. Invest in systems that integrate technical skills like engineering, mining, and agriculture with academic subjects from primary education to tertiary levels. We further urge AU member states to invest in school infrastructure, equipment, resources, and tools that promote inclusive quality education. Through well-resourced, inclusive quality education, children across the continent can change their lives and improve our economy. Will you join us in advocating for an educational system that equips African children to transform their futures? Let us reflect on critical questions that shape the future of our children and, by extension, our continent. Read full article here: https://bit.ly/4c3M9kY #DAC2024 #Education4All #DayoftheAfricanChild UNESCO SADC Parliamentary Forum ACERWC

Youth Day in South Africa, celebrated on 16 June, commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976. On that day, thousands of students took to the streets of Soweto to protest against the enforcement of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. The peaceful march turned tragic when police opened fire, resulting in the deaths of many young students. This event marked a turning point in the fight against an oppressive regime, showcasing the courage and resilience of South Africa's youth. As we commemorate the energy and aspirations of our youth, let us take a moment to reflect on the collective journey we undertake. Since 2005, The Tomorrow Trust has steadfastly supported orphaned and vulnerable youth across South Africa. Our mission extends beyond education; we are dedicated to guiding young individuals from their initial steps through to the realisation of their career aspirations. We recognise the significant challenges faced by our youth, particularly in the realm of education. Notably, only 50% of students in South Africa who commence Grade 1 progress to Grade 12, and of those, a mere 37% successfully pass the final examinations. The Tomorrow Trust is committed to addressing these challenges. Through our comprehensive programmes, which have reached (over 10,000) students, we equip them with the necessary tools to achieve academic success and beyond. Our holistic approach has yielded a remarkable 90% matric pass rate among our students, substantially surpassing the national average. Our conviction is that every young person deserves the opportunity to excel and to develop into the leaders they are destined to be. We are not only focused on academic support but also on fostering personal development. This Youth Day, let us unite in solidarity, uplift one another, and strive for a future where every youth's potential can fully flourish. #TomorrowTrust #YouthDay #EmpoweringYouth #EducationForAll #FutureLeaders #YouthEmpowerment #SouthAfricaYouth #HolisticEducation #TransformingLives #ConsciousLeaders #NGOimpact

"Does the current educational system across the African continent help children change their lives and those of their families?" "Does our educational system produce learners with the skills and potential to create jobs needed for economic growth and development?" "Or is our educational system only good at producing job-seekers?" The answers to these questions should guide us as a continent to rethink and review our educational system and models.African children deserve an education that empowers them to change the harsh socio-economic realities they face. They need educational outcomes that will serve as the weapon to transform Africa's struggling economy. As the Child Rights Network for Southern Africa, we urge the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, together with AU members, to invest in educational policies and programs. Invest in systems that integrate technical skills like engineering, mining, and agriculture with academic subjects from primary education to tertiary levels. We further urge AU member states to invest in school infrastructure, equipment, resources, and tools that promote inclusive quality education. Through well-resourced, inclusive quality education, children across the continent can change their lives and improve our economy. Will you join us in advocating for an educational system that equips African children to transform their futures? Let us reflect on critical questions that shape the future of our children and, by extension, our continent. Read full article here: https://bit.ly/4c3M9kY #DAC2024 #Education4All #DayoftheAfricanChild UNESCO SADC Parliamentary Forum ACERWC

As Africa celebrates 2024 as a year of Education: Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century. To educate an African fit for the 21st Century, we need deliberate efforts at the grassroots level to ensure that we attain the Africa we want. Therefore, Africa should consider the following implementations in the education sector: 1. Civic Education to include intensive topics on Governance. Such topics would include lessons on African integration: delving into details and highlighting means which every African can buy into continental goals. The topics should further teach deeply about poverty, inequality, corruption, and the interrelatedness of the system. Having such topics and lessons will enable pupils, scholars, and educationists to buy into the vision/agenda of 2063. 2. Promotion of African Literature and Research: Africans should promote and advance local research which will result into homegrown solutions to the problems currently being faced by the continent. Africa needs homegrown solutions to address the ever-pressing problems of hunger, poverty, inequality, and conflicts. 3. Ensuring conducive learning environments: Knowledge sharing can not be sustained in an environment that is not conducive. Therefore, African Governments should focus on creating a conducive environment for learners at all levels to obtain the maximum benefit of education. African Union ECOSOCC African Union #2024Educate_An_African_Fit_For_21stCentury.

🌼INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD🌼 Across Africa, millions of children dream of classrooms filled with laughter and textbooks. This year's International Day of the African Child echoes their aspirations with the powerful theme: "Education for all Children in Africa: The Time is Now". It's a call to action, a reminder that education is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. Investing in education is an investment in Africa's future. Educated children grow into skilled adults, capable of driving innovation and progress. They become doctors who heal the sick, engineers who build bridges, and teachers who inspire the next generation. Education empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The theme emphasizes the urgency. Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to learn. Removing barriers to access, such as poverty, child labor and limited resources, is crucial. We need creative solutions, like community-run schools and remote learning programs, to reach every child. We, as Women in STEM Kenya, are uniquely positioned to push for this goal. We can be powerful role models, showing children across the country that careers in science, technology, engineering and math are exciting and accessible. Through #mentorship programs, #workshops and outreach initiatives, we can ignite a passion for learning and equip girls with the skills and confidence to pursue their educational dreams. International Day of the African Child is a day to celebrate the potential within each child and a day to recommit to making education a reality for all. Let's work together to build a brighter future where every #African child has the chance to learn, grow and thrive. #internationaldayoftheafricanchild #childreninstem #womeninstemkenya #empoweringyoungminds #empoweringthefuturegeneration #womeninstemke

Addressing Inequality in Education: A Call to Action for South Africa As Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." However, in South Africa, the reality is that many learners are denied this fundamental right due to systemic inequality within the education system. It is our collective responsibility to acknowledge and address these disparities, ensuring equal access to quality education for all. The State of Education in South Africa: Despite progress made since apartheid, South Africa's education system still grapples with significant challenges, including: - Inadequate infrastructure and resources in disadvantaged schools - Limited access to quality education for learners with disabilities - Persistent disparities in matriculation rates and academic achievement - Inequitable distribution of skilled teachers and educational funding The Impact on Learners: These inequalities have far-reaching consequences, including: - Limited opportunities for social mobility and economic empowerment - Perpetuation of systemic poverty and inequality - Diminished potential for individual growth and contributions to society The Ubusha Foundation’s Call to Action: To address these pressing issues, we must work together to: - Advocate for policy reforms and increased funding for disadvantaged schools - Support initiatives promoting inclusive education and diversity - Develop and implement effective teacher training programs - Encourage private sector partnerships and community engagement Ensuring equality in education is not only a moral imperative but a critical step towards building a more just, equitable, and prosperous South Africa. Let us join forces to create a future where every learner has access to quality education, unlocking their full potential and shaping a brighter future for our nation. #EducationEquality #SouthAfrica #InclusiveEducation #SocialJustice #EmpoweringLearners