In celebration of Africa Day on 24 May 2024, the North-West University (NWU) hosted a webinar focusing on enhancing education across the continent. Themed "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century", the event brought together experts to engage in a comprehensive dialogue aimed at building resilient education systems that promote increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning.
Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, commemorates the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963. This day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving unity and development in Africa.
During the webinar various distinguished speakers shared their expertise on various aspects of education. Editor-in-chief of the Unisa Multilingual Proverbs Dictionary Dr Napjadi Letsoalo highlighted the significance of integrating cultural wisdom through multilingual proverbs into educational curricula.
Dr Collence Chisita, a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Indigenous Matters Standing Committee, discussed the IFLA’s efforts to promote inclusivity and preserve indigenous knowledge within libraries.
Dr Alexander Madanha Rusero, head of the International Relations and Diplomacy department at Africa University, explored how diplomatic channels can be utilised to achieve educational equality across the continent.
Marcus Maphile, director for public engagement and campus operations at the National Library of South Africa, examined the impact of African language publishing and the crucial role libraries play in community empowerment.
Finally, Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, acting director of the NWU’s Indigenous Knowledge Centre, discussed the integration of indigenous astronomical knowledge into modern education systems.
This NWU webinar marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform and modernise African education systems. By fostering dialogue and sharing insights, the event underscored the importance of creating robust, inclusive educational frameworks capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century. This initiative promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Africa, ensuring it remains resilient and relevant in an ever-changing global landscape.
