AU says 26 countries unlikely to achieve MDG target on education

AU says 26 countries unlikely to achieve MDG target on education

The Head Education Division of the AU Commission, Beatrice Khamati, says more than 26 African countries are unlikely to achieve Education for All (EFA) by 2015.

Khamati stated this on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia at a two-day regional workshop on Effective Monitoring and Advocacy for the Rights to Education in Africa organised by the Commission.

The existing situation

She said the current situation in many African countries made it difficult for the continent to achieve sustainable development and the MDG targets.
“Inadequate political will, financing and deficiencies in coordination, monitoring and advocacy are some of the challenges that have contributed to this negative status quo,” she said.

Stakeholders to provide tactic for strong partnership

Khamati said there was a need for stakeholders to take stock and come up with strategies that would enhance strong partnerships as well as effective monitoring and advocacy at national, regional and international level in order to reverse the situation and accelerate progress towards 2015.

Chairperson Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA), Mrs. Jennifer Chiwela, said stakeholders were alarmed that 11 years after the launch of EFA Goals in Dakar and mid-way to the deadline, about 30 million children have remained out of school in Africa.

“Majority of those excluded are women, girls and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities,’’ Chiwela said.

Policy options

Chiwale also urged stakeholders to generate debate on policy options for Africa to address its education gaps and excel in socio-economic development within the concept of African Renaissance.

She said the workshop would define ways of strengthening mutual partnerships among African governments, civil society, regional and economic bodies and the international community in ensuring citizens’ right to quality education in Africa.

NAN/Chiamaka/Iheanacho