MEDIA ADVISORY

Celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2024

What:  Celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2024

Theme: "Valuing teacher voices: Towards a new social contract for education"

When: 03 October 2024, starting from 9:00 am (EAT)

Where: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Hybrid:

Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P5RY9J5 ;

Zoom Link: https://shorturl.at/umzWl.

Why:

The African Union has dedicated Education as the AU Theme of the Year 2024 – “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century - Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”, having the encouragement of Teaching Reforms as its first outcome. The First Strategic Objective of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25) is to “Revitalize the Teaching Profession to Ensure Quality and Relevance at All Levels of Education”; noting the fact that, every profession is developed through a teacher. In many schools in poor communities, the Teacher is the only link with opportunities for success of children and ultimate improvement of social status of families. Even in affluent societies, where parents are busy, the Teacher is often the most available role model for many children. In many communities the Teacher is the repository of knowledge and understanding.

Who:

African Union Commission Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) in cooperation with the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) Teacher Professional Development Cluster, UNESCO’s International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO IICBA), Education International, and the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities.

Objectives:

1. Improving teacher policies, education, professional development, and accountability, with a focus on what is needed to improve foundational skills among learners;
2. Increasing the attractiveness of the teaching profession;
3. Investing in school leadership including more female leaders where needed;
4. Supporting teachers in strengthening skills for learners – ICT and learners with disabilities.

Expected Outcomes

1. Increased Awareness of the crucial role teachers play in society and the challenges they face, and enhanced understanding of the importance of investing in the teaching profession;
2. Development of actionable policy recommendations aimed at improving teachers' working conditions, professional development, and overall well-being;
3. Increased advocacy for policies that promote inclusive and equitable education;
4. Ensure increased access to training and resources for teachers to enhance their skills and adapt to changing educational environments.

Participants:

Expected participants will include representatives from Ministries of Education and Teacher National Councils from Member States, as well as representatives from Regional Economic Communities, Teacher Unions, civil society organizations, continental and international partners of the African Union, and other key stakeholders.

For media inquiries, please contact:

1. Ms. Hiba Mohamed |Advocacy Officer| Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2. 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.
3. 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 |