The Department of Education, Science, technology, and Innovation held the Commemoration of the Day of the African Child in Relation to the Right of Education and Education as the AU Theme of the Year 2024; and the Launch of AU-UNICEF Joint Report on Education Financing as a Lever for achieving the right to education for all in Africa.

The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on 16^th June, as a significant occasion to reaffirm our commitment to the well-being and educational rights of children across African. The day was celebrated on 14^th June, 2024, in alignment with Education as the AU Theme of the Year 2024, with the Theme – “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”. This underscores the critical role of education financing in ensuring that every child in Africa has access to inclusive, accessible, and relevant learning opportunities.

The AU-UNICEF report, developed in collaboration with the African Union and UNICEF, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of education financing in Africa and outlines practical strategies to increase investment, improve resource allocation, and ensure equitable access to quality education for all children, especially the most marginalized and vulnerable.

Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of social and economic development. Yet too many children in Africa continue to face barriers in accessing inclusive and quality learning”. This report is a crucial step in empowering African governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize education financing and transform the lives of millions of children across the continent.

The report launch event will feature keynote addresses from distinguished leaders, panel discussions with education experts, and the unveiling of concrete recommendations for African countries to increase and effectively utilize education financing to achieve the right to education for all.

The report warns that the learning crisis on the continent will become a huge development challenge if investments in education are not enhanced. Expanding funding for education, both domestically and from external sources, is a key pathway to addressing this challenge. Governments must, however, also invest better. Efforts to increase and maximize the value-for-money of education spending are critical to unlocking improved learning outcomes for all African children.

His Excellency Prof. Mohammed Belhocine – Commissioner for the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation highlighted it was an honour to commemorate the Day of the African Child, in the Year of Education as the AU Theme, is testament to unwavering commitment to unlocking the potential of African most valuable resource – our children. He also mentioned the launch of the AU-UNICEF report is a groundbreaking success, as such, UNICEF, Member States, and other Education Partners are encouraged on continued collaboration in driving tangible progress towards inclusive and equitable education in Africa were highlighted during the meeting.

It was concluded and recommended that, as the Day of the African Child was commemorated, the need to reflect on education achievements made so far, and the challenges that lie ahead. The need to renew commitments to creating inclusive, equitable, and quality education systems. The need to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their socio-economic background, gender, or geographical location.

By working together, the transformative power of education can be unlocked, and a brighter future for every African child can be ensured.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Caseley Olabode Stephens | Policy Officer - Education | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: StephensC@africa-union.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission GamalK@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia I Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram| YouTube |