AU Commissioner Urges Immediate Measures to Tackle Educational Funding Shortfalls

Synopsis

The AU Commissioner for Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Belhocine, has called for urgent interventions to resolve structural funding deficits in education and eliminate learning poverty in Africa. This underscores the need for increased financing and the implementation of the Nouakchott Declaration to ensure quality education for all.

Key Takeaways

Urgent action is needed to address funding deficits in education.
The Nouakchott Declaration aims for compulsory public education.
2024 is declared the Year of Education by the AU.
Over 100 million children in Africa are out of school.
Investment in technical and vocational education is critical.

Addis Ababa, Feb 16 (NationPress) The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation Mohammed Belhocine has emphasized the need for immediate measures to combat structural funding shortfalls in education and eliminate learning poverty across Africa.

During a briefing for reporters on the sidelines of the AU summit on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Belhocine highlighted the necessity for Africa to mobilize adequate funding and enact the Nouakchott Declaration to enhance quality education throughout the continent, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Approved late last year, the Nouakchott Declaration obliges African nations to undertake transformative initiatives, which include making public education mandatory.

"The complete execution of the Nouakchott Declaration, especially regarding compulsory education and increased funding, promoting digital learning innovations, and strengthening partnerships for resource mobilization are crucial for the transformation of education in Africa," Belhocine stated.

The AU has designated 2024 as the "Year of Education," themed "Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century," with the goal of enhancing education systems, fostering innovation, and building resilience in learning.

Belhocine noted that the AU is focusing on enhancing educational financing, nurturing multi-stakeholder partnerships, and ensuring equitable access for all learners, particularly girls, youth, and children in conflict-affected areas throughout 2024.

He underscored that education is vital for unlocking Africa's potential and advancing social progress, economic development, and sustainable growth, stressing the importance of reintegrating over 100 million out-of-school children.

"In Africa, over 100 million children are either out of school or have dropped out of primary or secondary education. We must provide them with a second chance. The only way to create genuine opportunities for them is through robust technical and vocational education and training policies and strategies at the continental level," the commissioner added.