Every child, regardless of geographical location or income level, deserves a fair chance at success. Every year on June 16th, the International Day of the African Child serves as a strong reminder of the crucial necessity of education in unlocking the full potential of African children. Bridge International Academies, Nigeria’s vision is to give life-altering education to generations of children regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, or race. As we observe the Day of the African Child, we must emphasise and investigate the critical need for education in Africa, as well as the transforming influence it can have on individuals, communities, and the continent as a whole.
This is possibly the most significant International Day of the African Child on record. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to lead the world as the region with the youngest people (0-14) in 2023; the scope and acceleration of this age cohort are unique in history.But what does this change signify for Africa and the rest of the world? The answer to this question will be determined by leaders’ actions or inactivity – whether they seize a massive opportunity or let it pass them by.
Investing in education means investing in the future, and with Sub-Saharan Africa’s constantly rising number of young people, prioritising fruitful education systems is critical.
Africa’s Educational Landscape
Africa is a diversified and thriving continent that is abundant in culture, resources, and human capital. Nonetheless, it continues to face various obstacles, the most pressing of which is access to high-quality education.
According to UNESCO, nearly 59 million African children aged 5 to 17 would be out of school by 2021. This figure is a substantial impediment to progress and development, as education is a catalyst for empowerment, economic growth, and social transformation.Bridge International Academies has established the standard for others to follow across the continent by delivering transformational learning outcomes to students from marginalised communities.
Breaking the lack of Trade Education
Education is a key instrument for providing future generations with trade prospects that most African communities lack. When students have a good education, they gain the required skills and information to secure greater job possibilities in the future. As a result, they are able to contribute to their families and communities, bringing them out of poverty and decreasing inequality. Africa will contribute over half of the world’s increase in working-age population in the next 5-10 years; investing in future generations’ learning will define the skill set of these world-shaping young people.As Sub-Saharan Africa’s population grows, so does the need for basic services such as healthcare, infrastructure, and all the aspects that contribute to and sustain a flourishing society.
On an economic level, the opportunity for embracing Africa’s growing youth population through education is obvious. According to the World Bank, one extra year of schooling correlates with 10% greater household income, and one extra year for a country amounts to 2.5% higher GDP per capital.
Developing Innovative Education Programs
Growth Education is vital in developing innovation, creativity, and critical thinking, all of which are necessary for economic success. When African students obtain a good education, they learn how to adapt to a quickly changing world. They become entrepreneurs, inventors, and problem solvers, promoting long-term development and contributing to the success of their countries and the continent as a whole.
Increasing Peace and Stability
Education is a significant force in creating community peace, stability, and social cohesiveness. By giving children a good education, we provide them the tools they need to identify and address the underlying causes of disputes, encouraging tolerance, empathy, and mutual understanding. Education raises a generation of African children who can actively participate to peaceful cohabitation and conflict resolution, resulting in a more harmonious future.
Investing in Education
To ensure the successful education of African children, governments, civil society organisations, communities, and people must all work together. Adequate finance, legislative reforms, and infrastructure development are critical to increasing access to education.
Furthermore, investing in teacher training and support systems can improve educational diversity and guarantee that children obtain the knowledge and skills they require. Bridge International Academies in Nigeria is up to the task. Bridge Nigeria has trained over 1,500 teachers, enhancing their ability to offer high-quality courses, and has established 46 schools with innovative systems that help students, teachers, and parents since its founding in 2019.
Africa’s most valuable asset is its youth. Their potential is amazing and unprecedented, and on this International Day of the African Child, we must unleash it by finally offering an education that results in learning. Then Africa’s children will be able to bring success not only to themselves, not just to Africa, but to the entire globe.Let us reiterate our commitment to delivering quality education to every child in Africa on this International Day of the African Child.
Education is not only a basic human right, but it is also a crucial motivator of growth, empowerment, and prosperity. By investing in the education of African children, we invest in the continent’s future, unlocking its tremendous potential and assuring a brighter future for future generations.
