To make progress on Agenda 2063 Goal 2, which is “Well educated citizens and skills revolution underpinned by science, technology and innovation” and UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 that to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” requires investing in human capital and advancing accessible, inclusive, and affordable learning opportunities for all African children and adolescents. According to UNICEF Generation 2030 Africa report, 2017, by 2055, Africa will be home to 1 billion children, almost 40 per cent of the global total child population. By the end of the century, it is projected that Africa will be home to nearly half of the world's children. Reaping the benefits of this demographic advantage depends on every child getting the support they need – in education, skill building, and work opportunities – to fulfill their potential.
Against this context, the African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) of in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), hosted on 6th June 2024 a Webinar on “Second Chance Education”, in commemoration of Africa Day, 2024.
The webinar brought together thought leaders and experts for dynamic discussions around “Second Chance education” and focused on approaches and solutions towards the continuity of learning and relevant, flexible, multiple learning pathways and options to learners.
The main objectives of the webinar series was, among others, to gain knowledge and foresight on groundbreaking solutions on education in the African context, including on radical shifts and innovative approaches.
In his opening remarks, H.E., Prof. Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), emphasized that education is indeed a human right that millions of Africans still do not have access to due to circumstances such as poverty, conflict, early marriage, and inadequate educational infrastructure. These factors have deprived many young people of their right to learn. The commissioner acknowledged that second chance education offers a lifeline as a powerful agent for change as it empowers all with different reasons that might have left school to reenter the learning pathways.
The Commissioner noted that second chance education are the programs and initiatives designed to provide individuals who have missed out on formal education a new opportunity to learn. These programs are not merely about academic instruction; they are about restoring dignity, offering hope, and creating pathways to a better future. He added that second chance education can help bridge educational equity gaps and be a catalyst for economic growth. “It is about creating a world where education is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all,” underscored H.E. Prof. Mohamed Belhocine.
Finally, Commissioner Belhocine called for a commitment to support and expand the second chance education programs, ensuring that every African has the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Gilles Fagninou, Regional Director of UNICEF for West and Central Africa reiterated that UNICEF will always be a reliable partner for the African Union to transform education in Africa. He emphasized the need to get the necessary education to gain knowledge and contribute to the growth of the Continent.
He added that the progress of the children that would benefit from the second chance programs would be progress to the world. “Investing in second chance learning can contribute to transform life and education,” he said. He added that there is a need for more efforts to be done at the level of AU Member States and a clear plan should be in place for children to access education.
The Webinar further discussed, with participation on eminent panelists, the following topics:
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Clear understanding of second chance education.
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Shared examples/approaches of ‘what works’ in second chance education, scale-up, and how this contributes to transforming education in Africa.
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Shared policy experience and ‘how to’ guidelines? on the successful implementation of second chance education.
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Action points going forward (e.g. develop a brief on 2nd chance education post webinar.
For further information please contact:
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Ms. Hiba Mohamed | Advocacy Officer| Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala | Digital Communications Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: ThwalaM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org
Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Website: http://www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia I Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram| YouTube |
