Ongoing challenges in Africa
Issues from the African region were addressed at Education International’s 7th World Congress on 24 July in Ottawa, Canada.
A lack of political will, mismanagement of resources, and misuse of education budgets across the continent were among the topics raised by Irene Duncan-Adanusa who presented Resolution 1.15 Issues in the African Region on behalf of the Executive Board of Education International (EI). Other issues include security concerns, inadequate numbers of quality staff, a lack of basic supplies, budgetary constraints, a rise in private education provision, and a lack of social dialogue.
Unique factors
Contributors to the debate raised the unique challenges faced by African continents because of the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab and natural disasters such as the spread of the Ebola virus.
The resolution demands better working conditions and respect for human and trade union rights in the continent. Amongst other commitments, EI’s 7th World Congress resolves that EI and its affiliates will campaign to mobilise the public to increase government spending on education to at least six per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Contributions to the debate came from delegates from Kenya, the United States, Tanzania, South Africa, Mauritania, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Senegal, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Photo Credit: Gabriel Castro - IEAL
