JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the critical need for global unity to ensure equal access to education for all, especially in the face of ongoing global challenges.
According to South African Government News Agency, Speaking at the Education International 10th Africa Regional Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the vital role of education in times of crisis. The conference, hosted by Education International Africa Region, brought together approximately 400 delegates, observers, and guests from across and beyond the region. The President commended the organizers for their commitment to advancing education, which he described as crucial for the future of the African continent and the world.
Amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and various political upheavals, President Ramaphosa pointed out the increased strain on social systems and the consequent impact on livelihoods and children’s education rights. He underscored the importance of education as a foundation for building societies based on human rights, rule of law, and democratic principles. He highlighted the work of the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession, which includes South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga. This panel, comprising a diverse group of stakeholders, emphasizes the critical role of educators and the importance of their voices in addressing educational challenges.
President Ramaphosa also spoke about the ongoing educational reforms in South Africa, including the implementation of the Coding and Robotics curriculum from Grade R to Grade 9. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate STEAM subjects into the education system, aiming to equip learners with essential digital skills for a rapidly changing world.
Additionally, the President addressed the need for the decolonization of education, stressing the importance of moving away from a Eurocentric perspective to a more diverse and inclusive one. He called for the integration of various knowledge systems into curricula, emphasizing the importance of African perspectives and experiences. President Ramaphosa urged labor movements, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations in the educational sector to collaborate in protecting and nurturing the right to education.
In closing, President Ramaphosa lauded the role of organizations like Education International in advocating for quality education. He emphasized that quality education involves more than just access; it requires safe environments where learners’ rights are respected and upheld. By improving access to education, he argued, poverty can be alleviated, marginalized communities empowered, and the development of nations fostered.