The last meeting held by Education International Africa Communication Network (EI Africa ComNet) focused on ensuring a smooth flow of the 10th EI World Congress exposure. To ensure that regional governments prioritize quality education for all, the EI Africa ComNet plans to cover the main themes of Congress. African delegates heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina, are prepared to discuss issues affecting education in their continent, and solutions moving forward.
Making the EI World Congress a resounding one Africa-wide
The meeting held online on July 10th, had more than 50 participants including both delegates. observes and communications staff from various EI affiliates across Africa. The turnout for the meeting showed how enthusiastic African education unionists are for the upcoming EI World Congress which will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 29 July to 2 August, with pre-Congress events on 26, 27, and 28 July, under the theme “Growing our Unions, Elevating our Professions, Defending Democracy.”
EI Africa director, Dennis Sinyolo, welcomed participants highlighting the importance of Congress, where EI member organizations will discuss policies and principles of actions impacting education and education personnels, not only in Africa, but across the world. Sinyolo explained that “the 10th EI World Congress, will enable member organizations from around the world to share experiences and define the future of our profession, education systems, and out trade union movement.”
Rights-based approach to education
Sinyolo also talked about issues facing education in Africa, emphasizing the failures of the African governments to commit to equitable and inclusive quality education for all, saying: “Education is the fundamental human right and public good” stressing the need for governments to be held accountable for their promises for quality education.”
He further emphasized that the African Union has declared 2024 as the Year of Education under the theme "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century." This initiative aims to address the continent’s education crisis and accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). The focus is on building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.
In the world where technology continues to advance and Artificial Intelligence is integrated in classrooms, African education unions also want to make sure that their teachers and students are not forgotten or left behind. “We need to move from traditional chalks and talk to the modern touch and teach,” he said, referring to the presence of advanced technology in classrooms in different parts of the world, while insisting on the fundamental and human aspect of quality education represented by the relationship between the teacher and his students
As tweeted by Education International, “Education union s in Africa are gearing up for the #EICongress. The region’s communicators are coming together to share best practices and coordinate actions.”
Strengthening EI “Go Public! Fund Education” campaign
EI director of Campaigns and Communication Rebeca Logan, also explained that a cornerstone of the congress will be the continuation and expansion of the EI “Go Public! Fund Education” campaign, which champions the funding of public education and the teaching profession, combating budget cuts, austerity, and privatization. Delegates will also discuss ways to implement the 59 recommendations of the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession.
Congress will also see the election of EI’s new leadership - President, Vice-Presidents, regional seats and open seats -, setting the direction for the organization’s future endeavors, she said.
Closing the event, Sinyolo concluded: “Alone, we go quicker. Together, we go further. The World Congress, being EI’s supreme decision-making body, requires huge reporting. I hope to see as many of you soon in Argentina.”