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Fulfilling futures for the many, not the few

Heavy debt burdens, post-pandemic economic slowdowns and climate catastrophes have meant resources for education are being cut.

by Snorre Westgaard
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Recently, the African Union has celebrated Africa Skills Week, reiterating its commitment to Africa’s journey towards economic prosperity. We know that it will be young people at the forefront of achieving this mission. Therefore the role of education in building young peoples’ capacity cannot be understated.

 

By 2050 Africa’s youth population, already the largest in the world, is projected to double to over 830 million. Yet investment in the education required to harness the potential of these young people is under threat. Heavy debt burdens, post-pandemic economic slowdowns and climate catastrophes have meant resources for education are being cut.

 

Africa’s promise is immense, but it’s held back by the fact that three-quarters of African youths consistently lack secure employment. For Africa to fulfill its potential, we need to increase opportunities for young Africans to take charge of their futures and pursue a better quality of life.

 

Education is key, but we need to be open-minded. The traditional hallowed halls of elite universities are indeed places of aspiration. Yet by focusing solely on traditional education we risk overlooking the vital skills required for a broad-based economic revival and fulfilling, productive lives for the many, not the few.

 

According to UNESCO-UNEVOC, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates are twice as likely to become entrepreneurs compared to those with general education. Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that for every $1 invested in TVET, there can be up to $15 in increased economic returns.

TVET is essential for equipping young Africans with the skills needed for a thriving society to ameliorate individuals’ conditions and deliver socio-economic prosperity for all.  TVET goes beyond job preparation, as it empowers youth to contribute in a significant way to their communities and be true agents of change.

 

That is why, as part of the AU’s Agenda 2063 for Africa and 2024 Year of Education, Humana People to People came together with AUDA-NEPAD to launch the Africa Skills Revolution. An initiative and competition aimed at unlocking this potential and changing negative perceptions of TVET. To inspire innovation and recognize outstanding achievements, the competition called on participants from across Africa to submit their stories and showcase their TVET successes. With over 490 entries from 36 African countries, we were blown away with the results.

 

One of our five outstanding winners, Huda Arbab who founded the Craft for Life business, articulated her mission, stating, “In the Kakuma refugee camp, many women face significant economic and social challenges. Our handmade products are gaining traction globally due to increasing demand for unique and ethically-sourced items. I aspire to be more than just a designer; I aim to be a catalyst for change.”

 

This is exactly the type of entrepreneurial spirit that we see fostered every day across our 16 technical and vocational colleges in Africa, which have collectively helped 30,000 students graduate into new opportunities over the last 30 years.

 

TVET is not a ‘fallback option’ for young people, but  a springboard. It’s a pathway that equips young people with the practical skills to take on challenges, take control of their destinies and find fulfilling futures, contributing to the development of their communities along the way.

With renewed hope and focus on youth, together we can equip Africa’s young people to achieve their potential and deliver a brighter future for all.

 

 

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