What: Conference on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): Developing and Implementing Inclusive Education Practices to Ensure No Child is Left Behind in Africa. Ending Learning Poverty for All in the Context of Inclusive Education

When: 5^th - 6^th September 2024.

Where: Medium Conference Hall, AU HQ, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Why: This conference will ensure a continued focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy across Africa and will provide a platform for governments, educators, and stakeholders to discuss, exchange ideas, and develop strategies that address the educational needs of marginalized groups, including children with disabilities. The event aims to design inclusive education practices that ensure no child is left behind, contributing to the broader goal of ending learning poverty in Africa.

Who: The Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) department of the AU Commission in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMFG), Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), and People’s Action for Learning (PAL)

Objectives:
 

1.To explore the current state of foundational literacy and numeracy in African countries and identify key challenges and opportunities.

2. To share best promising practices and innovative approaches on inclusive education with clear guidance and practical tools to foster peer learning and to improve foundational literacy and numeracy skills among students.

3. To increase awareness and understanding among policymakers and educators about the importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities and other marginalised groups in early and primary years.

4. To identify and address critical barriers preventing children with disabilities and marginalised groups from accessing quality FLN education.

5. To develop actionable strategies and policies for implementing inclusive education practices in diverse educational contexts in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

6. To promote integrating inclusive education policies into national education plans, ensuring alignment with international frameworks and standards.

7. To facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy across the African continent.

8. To align the conference outcomes with the African Union's theme of the year 2024, "Education as the African Union Theme of the Year."

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Hiba Mohamed | Advocacy Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission | E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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.

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia