Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to open the Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference on Tuesday in Sandton, Johannesburg. Education International, a major global teacher and education workers labor federation, boasts over 32 million members worldwide.
According to South African Government News Agency, the conference, hosted by South African member organizations of Education International, will run from Sunday, 19 November 2023, to Thursday, 23 November 2023. The event’s theme is “Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis,” reflecting the current global challenges in education.
South Africa’s participation is significant, with affiliates such as the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa, the National Teachers’ Union, the Professional Educators Union, and the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie taking part.
Held every four years, the EIRAF conference is a critical platform for reports, policy adoption, and program approval, aligning with its constitution. This year, the conference is being held in Southern Africa, focusing on sub-themes like “Guaranteeing Quality Public Education for All During and Beyond Crises” and “Rebuilding our Profession and our Education Systems.” The Presidency highlighted the importance of the conference in formulating strategies for equitable, inclusive, and high-quality public education, especially in addressing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, conflict, and climate change.
The conference will also serve as a vital opportunity for substantive discussions on trade unions, education, the future of education, and other critical regional issues. Delegates attending include representatives from global unions and partner organizations.
Key discussion topics at the conference will encompass a range of crucial issues, such as making Early Childhood Education for All a reality in Africa, creating safe and healthy schools and educational institutions, engaging in evidence-based social and policy dialogue, and defending and promoting academic freedom and professional autonomy in Africa.