Africa Day

“Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”-Chinua Achebe. The people of Africa have been marginalized over the decades. Unfortunately, many of us have a distorted view of the continent. This view is one that sees the continent through the lens of famine, wars, political and economic instability. We have failed to question the reason or reasons for Africa not realizing its true potential especially against the fact that Africa is rich in natural resources. Unquestionably, it takes effort and knowledge to fairly and honestly interrogate the current state of Africa and the role the Transatlantic Slave Trade played in the geopolitical climate of the continent. On the other hand, too many of us of African ancestry have disassociated ourselves from the continent and this is problematic. However, one’s DNA is what it is. It is important that we celebrate the richness of Africa as well as the immense contributions Africans have made and continue to make to humanity. On the 25th of May each year, the world observes Africa Day; a day intended to celebrate the richness and vibrancy of Africa. It is commemorated to mark the formation of the Organization of African Unity, the OAU, which was formed on the 25th May 1963. It later became the African Union. Africa Day was formerly known as Africa Liberation Day or Africa Freedom Day. The day is set aside also to foster the advancement of Africa. Africa Day is also important given that it celebrates the diversity of the African continent, as well as to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the continent. Without a doubt Africa has a bright future. Africa is not a monolith; it is complex and diverse, with over 1.4 billion people speaking over 3,000 languages in 54 countries. Amazing isn’t it? The theme of this year's Africa Day is “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.” Clearly education must be seen as the catalyst for Africa's growth and development, serving as a critical driver for socio-economic transformation and innovation. It is by focusing on education that the current generation of Africans will be equipped with the skills set and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world. Importantly, this theme aligns perfectly with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation. Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, where education plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Modernizing our educational systems to include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability ensures that Africa can harness its demographic dividend, foster entrepreneurship, and compete effectively on the global stage. Investing in education today is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Africa tomorrow. With the African Union's decision to focus on education in 2024 it is imperative that governments accelerate progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal #4 that addresses inclusive and equitable quality education as well as the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. United Nations Hope. The United Nations (UN) continues to be upbeat regarding Africa. The UN states that the Sustainable Development Goals need to be rescued. This will require, among other actions, that we reform the international financial architecture so developing countries can access the resources they will need to invest in the future of their people including strengthening education systems, this year’s African Union theme. The UN adds that we must work side by side with Africa to build green economies anchored in renewable energy, and ensure that the continent’s critical mineral resources benefit Africans first and foremost. The UN is adamant that we must strengthen our collaboration to safeguard human rights, counter terrorism and violent extremism, and finally silence the guns across Africa. The UN Security Council’s recent resolution to support African-led peace operations is an important step. It is commendable that Kenya will be leading a United Nations peace keeping mission to Haiti in the coming weeks. Cultural Taboos . There are many cultural and traditional taboos on the continent of Africa that serve as barriers for females to access education and other services. Certain stigmas keep many young people out of school, particularly girls and young women, preventing them from participating in such programmes. Although menstruation is a natural and important part of women's lives, many Angolan communities still consider the subject taboo. Thus, many women are held back from education and a brighter future because of perceptions and barriers to menstrual hygiene management. The time has come for governments to ensure that such barriers are broken down in order for girls to access an education. It is important that women and girls are integrally involved in programmes and policies that will usher a culture of empowerment for females across the continent. African Diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean. Those of us of African descent are desirous of seeing a united and economically vibrant Africa. The World Economic Forum indicates that more than 200 million people of African descent live outside the continent and will soon make up over 25% of the global population. This obviously speaks to the untapped potential of the continent and serves as a motivating factor concerning possibilities. The first wave of forced African migrations began during the Transatlantic Slave Trade (16th-19th centuries). Europeans captured or bought Africans mainly from West Africa, and brought them to Europe where they were enslaved and worked on sugar plantations. The number of Africans who were shipped across the Atlantic is estimated to be around 12 million. The transatlantic slave trade contributed mostly to creating a large community of African origins in the American continent, especially in the USA and in Brazil. It is rather unfortunate that so much of our history is not spoken about. Culturally Relevant Curricula . Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson has called for the “decolonizing” of the curricula at schools in Africa and the Caribbean to those that promote African and indigenous knowledge systems and culture. “We must also prioritize the quality and relevance of education, ensuring that it equips learners with the skills they need to succeed in the modern world. This means embracing innovative teaching methods, incorporating technology into the classroom, and fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem- solving skills and knowledge of Africa.” Patterson added, moreover, education must be lifelong and inclusive, reaching beyond the classroom and impacting learners of all ages and backgrounds. Whether through formal schooling, vocational training, or community-based initiatives, we must create opportunities for continuous learning and skill development throughout people’s lives. As the descendants of those who were enslaved our responsibilities must be one in which the society confronts the legacies of colonialism and oppression that continue to shape our education systems. On Africa Day, let us renew our commitment to stand with our African brothers and sisters in their pursuit to lead their continent and our world into a peaceful and prosperous future for all. Happy Africa Day. In the words of Kwame Nkrumah, unite we must. Without necessarily sacrificing our sovereignties, big or small, we can here and now forge a political union based on defense, foreign affairs and diplomacy, and a common citizenship. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #AfricaDay