Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Banner Left
Banner Right

SADC parliamentary forum president Roger Mancienne advocates transformative education

A staggering 90% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read a simple text by the age of 10.

This was said by the president of the SADC parliamentary forum, Roger Mancienne, while addressing a pan-African parliamentary committee virtually on Monday.

He said there is an urgent need for educational reform across Africa.

Mancienne called for a comprehensive strategy to build resilient education systems that cater to all Africans in the 21st century.

The speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles said: “We must recognise the pivotal role quality and relevant learning play in shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.”

Noting that over 98 million children in Africa were not attending school, he drew the attention to learning poverty.

Mancienne said learning poverty has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and presents a significant barrier to educational access and attainment across the SADC region.

He called on parliaments and governments to take decisive action in tackling these challenges.

Mancienne praised the African Union for proposing 10 national and continental objectives to drive educational reform. These objectives focus on building inclusive education systems that prioritise teacher development, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, vocational training, and digital solutions.

“Foundational learning is the bedrock upon which all further learning is built,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in transforming Africa’s education landscape.

“TVET must be elevated to address the skills gap and enhance employability,” he said.

Mancienne highlighted the potential of TVET to empower the continent’s youthful population, reinforcing the need for lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.

“In Africa, education must drive transformation,” he said.

“Together, we can create an Africa where every individual has the tools to succeed and where our collective potential is fully realised.”

*Moses Magadza is an SADC PF spokesperson.

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!

Latest News