Today, 25th May, we celebrate Africa Day, a date of great importance to reflect on the progress and the challenges facing this vast and diverse continent. This day, proclaimed in 1963, by the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) not only honours the unity and freedom of African countries, but also highlights Africa’s rich culture, history and potential.
The African Union has designated 2024 as the year of education in Africa
Africa has immense potential, as African children represent the largest untapped population, and education plays a key role in their exponential development and transformation. UNESCO has calculated that, if we are to achieve the goals set by the 2030 Agenda, sub-Saharan Africa needs 5.4 million additional primary school teachers and 11.1 million in secondary school teachers. These data underscore the opportunity that exists to transform education and, with it, the future of the continent.
ProFuturo, the educational innovation programme with technology from the Telefónica Foundation and the “La Caixa” Foundation was born in Africa, specifically with a pilot programme in Angola, and since 2016 we have been committed to helping narrow the education gap in African countries. By 2023, we have made a significant impact on education, reaching 10,600 teachers, providing them with training and resources to improve their pedagogical skills and their ability to integrate technology in the classroom. This effort has enabled 377,000 children to participate in educational activities through our platforms, enhancing their learning and personal development.
In addition, we have worked in 1,516 schools in various regions, ensuring that learning that meets the challenges of the 21st century reaches the places where it is most needed. Our advocacy is based on working with partners, local communities, governments and other organisations to make a sustainable and lasting impact.
Where are we?
ProFuturo is active in countries on the African continent, bringing education and technology to the communities that need it most. We are present in:
- Morocco
- Benin
- South Africa
- Senegal
- Madagascar
- Angola
- Sierra Leone
- Zimbabwe
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Malawi
- Liberia
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eswatini
The work on the ground would not be possible without implementing partners and co-funders, who are present in the territory and communities. What do we do with each one?
- UNHCR: It has enabled us to bring quality education to schools in emergency contexts in several African countries. We have strengthened national education programmes, trained teachers in the effective use of technology in their classrooms, and expanded access to resources for refugee children and the host community.
- World Vision: In different countries, we have co-created education programmes by pooling our expertise to ensure that more children have access to quality education.
- Entreculturas Foundation, IRC International Rescue Committee and Save the Children International: Together with these organisations, we have implemented the programme in emergency contexts, providing hope and opportunities to thousands of young people.
- Teach for All: We run a teacher training project, empowering teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to transform education based on leadership.
- American Tower: We are strengthening education with technology, bringing innovation and digital resources to where they are needed most, through digital communities.
Education in Africa in 2024
While education has always been a constant imperative, the African Union has designated 2024 as the year of education in Africa, focusing the attention and efforts of many countries and organisations on this important aspect of societal sustainability. This year, the aim is to intensify efforts to further improve the quality of education and make it accessible to all children on the continent.
From UNESCO, a strong emphasis is being placed on “Unlocking Africa’s Potential by Investing in STEM Education”. Science and technology are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. From addressing global challenges such as pandemics and climate change to driving innovation and sustainable development, the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education has never been more relevant. The African continent has enormous potential for transformation if we invest in building these skills and capacities in teachers and learners, who are the future of their communities. That is the focus of the Africa 2024 Dialogue Series during the UN’s Africa Month, to which UNESCO and we at ProFuturo are actively joining and contributing.
At ProFuturo, we play a key role in developing STEM subjects, digital skills and the ICT ecosystem. We firmly believe that providing these tools and knowledge is key to meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
The transformational power of education
The year 2024 is shaping up to be a transformational year for education in Africa. From the special focus on education this year, to the focus on STEM skills so necessary for a globalised, digital and ever-changing world, to the efforts already under way on the continent to improve the quality of education and expand access through innovative initiatives.
Seeing the progress of ProFuturo students and teachers drives us to continue this mission, working with our partners and local communities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything that is happening in Africa and what will happen this year puts this continent in the place it deserves to take advantage of its greatest potential for transformation and at ProFuturo we are motivated to continue working to do our bit.
Happy Africa Day!
#EducatingTransforms
Do you want to know more about ProFuturo’s commitment to education?
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