STAFF REPORTER
The transformation of African education, aimed at meeting the needs of the continent and demands of the changing world, dominated conversations at the 61st Africa Day celebrations and the week-long exhibitions held at The Heritage Village in Harare, recently.
The commemorations, jointly hosted by the African Group of Ambassadors and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, ran under the theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa”.
In a speech read on his behalf by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Frederick Shava, said correct reconfiguration of the educational system is key for transformation of the continent and its people.
“Correct education is that education that facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, and still, it encapsulates thinking and doing.
“That transformational education, that education that tells us who we are, what we can do to change the lives of our people and those in the world.”
Ambassador Shava said the need to reconsider our education system is necessitated by the fact that although Africa has many strides in raising literacy levels on the continent, education levels are relatively low.
“Education is much more than reading and writing. Although reading and writing are very important ingredients, it’s just raw material things,” he said.
We must take pride in educating African youth, Ambassador Shava added, who use education as a tool for development.
“Education is more than speaking in a foreign language. Education is using knowledge, skills, innovation, science and technology to transform lives.
“In Zimbabwe, we transformed our education system to then embrace Education 5.0. With 5.0 from teaching, research, community service, innovation, industrialisation, the purpose of education is to transform lives.”
He added that most of the problems facing Africa today are a result of an education that is divorced from the needs of the people.
The Dean of the African Group and the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Jose Ela Ebang of Equatorial Guinea – represented by Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntrakwa of Ghana – called for educational reforms in Africa that meet the continent’s developmental needs.
“If Africa must rebuild its relevant position in the community of nations as at the origin of civilisation, then it must recalibrate its educational systems to meet the needs of the current globalised and competitive world.”
Ambassador Jose Ela Ebang said global parties are now in favour of nations that invest in education, which is focused on research, innovation, science and technology.
“With this knowledge, it must be underscored that education has transcended the realm in human rights to becoming a catalyst for accelerated growth and development,” he said.
Mr Samuel Matsekete, the CEO of Old Mutual, one of the main sponsors of the celebrations, highlighted some of his organisation’s interventions in education.
“We also support students through our scholarship programmes, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education,” said Mr Matsekete.
He also spoke about his organisation’s commitment towards developing student accommodation.
“Our recent US$17 million investment in the ZimCampus student accommodation complex at the National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, where we hold a 29% shareholding provides state-of-the-art living facilities for students,” Matsekete underscored the organisation’s commitment to education and cultural exchange.
Pomp and fanfare marked the event, which also saw African embassies serving dishes from their respective countries. Royal Junior School recited the theme poem, while the Police Band and the Egyptian Cultural Group gave scintillating performances that kept guests on the dance floor.
