Problem

East Africa faces unique challenges in its education structures due to rapid population growth. Approximately 42 million children of primary and secondary school age are not enrolled in school. 34% of these are in Eastern Africa. The main factors include poverty, handicap, pregnancies and early marriages.

Many East African countries struggle to provide quality education. Overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and inadequately trained teachers hinder the delivery of effective learning experiences. Inclusive education practices are often lacking. Children with disabilities and from marginalised communities, have often not had equal access to education.

The pressing need for sustainability education to address environmental and social challenges is often unmet, hindering the region's ability to develop responsibly and sustainably. This is highlighted by the lack of skills and resources to provide effective instruction within learning environments.

Furthermore, access to digital technology and internet connectivity is limited in many areas, creating a digital divide that cuts off students from global competitiveness. Communities also lack engagement with the education centres, which can lead to a disconnect between schools and local needs.

Percentages of out-of-school children & youth in Africa

Solution

Improving the barriers to educational development will come as a result of combined efforts to combat unsustainable frameworks. Finland as a global leader in education provides immense opportunities for East African educators.

Leveraging this strength and incorporating East Africa's rich cultural context, a collaborative platform will facilitate research and knowledge exchange, collaborative teacher development trainings and innovative learning development approaches, and the construction of inclusive learning models that are inspired from the diverse cultural aspects of East Africa, topped with Finnish cultural and sustainable input.

The forum will also facilitate the exchange of best practices in digital literacy education from Finland. This includes incorporating digital tools and resources into curriculums, training teachers in digital teaching methods, and providing access to technology in underserved areas.

Initiatives focused on reducing dropout rates will be established, such as mentorship programs, community engagement to address socioeconomic factors, and support systems for at-risk students to keep them engaged in learning. Our commitment to sustainability education will guide the integration of environmental and social responsibility into curriculums, creating a generation of students who are environmentally conscious and socially responsible. This forum aims to ensure alignment of all institutions of higher education that we collaborate with, with the needs of both the job market and society; to promote the relevance of education.