Today, May 25th, the mother land, Africa is celebrating her day with an inclination to keep the continent abreast, knowledgeable and informed through education that fits the modern times.
Africa Day is celebrated around the World on May 25th, the day the Organisation of African Union (OAU) was formed in Adis Ababa in 1963 and 38 years later, in 2001 the African Union (AU) was born.
Malawi, a Sub-Saharan south-eastern nation, joins the rest of the continent in celebrating the African Day with some activities.
Several organisations across the country staged a number of exhibitions and activities to mark the climax of Africa Day commemorations yesterday under the theme Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.
Gazette Media, publishers of Gazetteonlinenews.com joined the continent and the business community in the celebrations of the Africa Day commemorations.
Gazette Media Managing Director and communications specialist, McDonald Chapalapata said: “We join in to celebrate the Africa Day and believe that this year’s theme resonates with what the continent needs now.
“We at Gazette Media believe that practical and modern education is important to the growth of the continent.”
Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, where education plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
Modernizing educational systems to include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability ensures that Africa can harness its demographic dividend, foster entrepreneurship, and compete effectively on the global stage.
Investing in education in Africa today is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous continent tomorrow.
“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, the African Union said in a statement.
Adds the statement: “Education is not just a foundational element for individual success but a foundation for the sustainable development and prosperity of our entire continent. Your involvement is crucial to achieving the ambitious goals set out in Agenda 2063.”
In line with the theme “Education Fit for the 21st Century,” the African Union (AU) is asking thevrest of the world to join in celebrating Africa Day by engaging in conversations and sharing insights on the future of education in Africa.
“Together, we can create an education system that not only meets the demands of the 21st century but also ensures that every African child has the opportunity to thrive,” further reads the statement.
The AU, however, is asking people to share their thoughts and ideas on how education can be ttransformedin the continent to meet the needs of the 21st century.
People are futher asked to highlight educational initiatives and programs that are making a difference in the community or country and also to discuss the importance of education in driving socio-economic development and creating opportunities for all Africans.
Background
Education is a cornerstone for Africa’s growth and development, serving as a critical driver for socio-economic transformation and innovation.
By focusing on education fit for the 21st century, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world.
This theme aligns perfectly with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation.
Imploring
The AU is therefore asking African governments to allocate more resources to education, particularly towards infrastructure, teacher training, and digital technologies.
The African government are further requested to implement policies that promote inclusive and equitable education, ensuring no child is left behind.
As for the educational institutions in Africa, the AU wants them to integrate 21st-century skills into curricula and embrace innovative teaching methods that cater to the digital age and also to partner with other institutions and organizations to share best practices and resources.
The AU emplores the private sector to fund scholarships, infrastructure projects, and technology initiatives that enhance educational quality and accessibility.
The AU also requests the private sector to provide opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and develop skills relevant to the job market.
In order for the African continent to achieve her goals in an education fit for the 21st century, it is imperative for the Civil Society Organizations to promote the importance of education and advocate for policies that support educational improvements
The Civil Society is expected to work with communities to ensure local needs and voices are included in educational planning and implementation.
As for the individuals, the AU is appealing to people to volunteer their time, skills, or resources to support educational initiatives in your community.
For Africa to keep up the pace as regards development, people must Keep abreast of educational developments and advocate for necessary changes and improvements.
This year’s Africa Day aims to highlight the opportunities in various regions of the continent, provide practical leads on how to tackle the market and, most importantly, provide a platform for Austrian and African companies to connect.
“we call upon all stakeholders across all sectors to join us in this transformative journey.”
African Union
Statement
