|
|
Education ministers and high-level representatives from 16 countries around the globe presented the challenges in the education scenario in their countries and explored ways to overcome them at the second high-level ministerial meeting organised by Educate A Child (EAC).
EAC is a global programme of the Education Above All (EAA), an initiative of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of EAA, to significantly reduce the number of out of school children in different parts of the globe.
The meeting was graced among others by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al- Thani, HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al- Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry; HE Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education.
Countries in attendance included Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania (including Zanzibar) and Yemen. These countries together represent nearly one-third (31%) of the children who are not enrolled in primary education.
Speaking at the forum, Marcio Barbosa, CEO of EAA, said: “The strong response we received, both in attendance and commitment, from the most senior education officials in priority countries for enrolment speaks to the momentum of the EAC movement. Government support is a necessary precursor to success. It’s critical to sustainability, and helping ensure that kids who are enrolled in educational programmes are retained.”
“In the ministerial segment of the meeting we heard impassioned presentations outlining the barriers to enrolment and retention in each of the participating countries. This is reality, and through such direct and open conversations we can begin to identify solutions and set a plan for implementing them in the near term,” said Dr Mary Joy Pigozzi, director of the EAC programme.
Julia Gillard, chair of the Global Partnership for Education and Dr Ahmed Mohamed al-Meraikhi, director of International Development Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar delivered keynote speeches to open the meeting. Followed by the inaugural session, there were concurrent sessions of a ministerial segment and a country showcase.
During the country showcase, ministry representatives from each country presented their programmes, progress and challenges regarding out of school children and heard about the work of others. Solutions for reaching the children in each country were discussed and will be taken forward from the meeting. In the afternoon, the focus turned to West Africa, alignment of Educate A Child with National Education Plans and sharing of data on the out of school children issue.
Mali’s Minister of Education, Togola Marie Jacqueline Nana, commented: “I eagerly accepted the invitation from EAC to participate in this high-level meeting of colleagues focused on a common goal ; providing educational opportunities for all of our children. Through discussions and learning from each other, we have identified potential pathways to increasing the opportunities for out of school children locally and regionally. This is fundamental to my country’s continued growth, development and future prosperity.”
EAC is working with a broad range of international, national and local partners to reach the world’s poorest and most marginalised out of school children. Its focus is on nurturing innovative approaches to reach these children, and on replicating and scaling-up successful programmes.