The Just Society: Collective impact -Bringing Children Furthest behind closer to enjoying the Right to Education in a changing world

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

Education is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a legal right of every child. Access to quality education contributes not only to an individual’s academic, socio-emotional development and well-being, but it is also critical to achieving economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and overall advancement of individuals, families, and society.

Education in Sub-Saharan Africa has seen significant improvement over the past few decades, particularly in enrolment rates contributed by such efforts as Education for All back in the 90s and early 2000s and more recently the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 4 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2016-2025). Despite these advancements, an astonishing 98 million children remain out of school, many of whom are from marginalised groups and communities. Additionally, an estimated 90% learning poverty rate across the continent means that the vast majority of the children who are going to school are not learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities and threatens to negate some of the gains made over the years. As a result, Africa continues to lag behind in achieving targets set in the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025 (CESA 16-25), Sustainable Development Goal number 4 on education (SDG4), the 2030 global agenda, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This is coupled with the skills demand, especially 21st century skills, and mismatch with the labour market, necessitating the need to not only focus on foundational skills, but also revisit secondary education with a view to introducing vocational subjects in a deliberate manner, and making the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), and Technical and Vocational Secondary Education (TVSD) track an attractive learning and skills pathway.

In the pursuit of equitable and quality education across East Africa, the Regional Education Learning Initiative Africa (RELI Africa) has emerged as a key driver of change. Since its inception in 2017, RELI Africa has built a peer-peer member-driven network of 63 organizations across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, working to bridge the gaps that hinder access to quality education. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the role of collaboration, leadership, and strategic planning has become more critical than ever to ensure that no child is left behind in the rapidly evolving educational landscape. This panel explores how we can collectively strengthen our impact to bring children furthest behind closer to enjoying their right to education in a rapidly changing world.

In an ever-changing world, digital technology brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, digital platforms enable access to a wealth of information, collaboration across borders, and innovative learning methods that can enrich the educational experience. For marginalized regions in East Africa, where resources may be scarce, technology offers a pathway to bridge the divide and connect learners to the global knowledge economy.

On the other hand, the digital society also presents disadvantages, particularly for those already marginalized. In areas such as ASALs and informal settlements, where access to connectivity, devices, and digital literacy remains limited, the digital divide can further exacerbate inequalities. While technology has the potential to democratize access to education, it can also create new barriers for those without the infrastructure or skills to benefit from it. For instance, the high cost of connectivity, unreliable electricity, and limited digital literacy all pose significant hurdles to effective digital integration in education for many communities in East Africa.

This panel we will explore how RELI Africa’s collaborative model brings together diverse stakeholders to address systemic challenges. The focus will be on the shared commitment to solving issues of equity, inclusion, and access in regions such as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), rural areas, and urban informal settlements, where children including those with special needs are most likely to be left behind. The collective efforts of RELI Africa’s members are directed toward ensuring that even the most marginalized children are not denied their right to education. At the heart of RELI Africa’s approach is the empowerment of leadership within its network. Through a combination of individual and group coaching, RELI builds the capacity of organizational leaders to tackle education challenges with creativity and resilience. Through this coaching and leadership development process, RELI promotes a culture of trust and shared responsibility. By equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to address the unique challenges in their communities, RELI strengthens their ability to influence policy and drive transformation within their communities. This approach strengthens the collective impact of the network, ensuring that local leaders are equipped to respond to the diverse needs of learners, particularly those who are furthest behind.

The panel will also present a case study showcasing how RELI Africa has positioned itself in the region to ensure that the voices of Africans are heard and that they contribute to discussions shaping the education sector in East Africa. RELI Africa provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to share experiences, discuss innovations, and explore the role of technology in addressing educational challenges. We also delve into the strategic planning efforts of RELI Africa. It emphasizes the importance of aligning strategic goals with evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective. By creating a collaborative space, RELI’s strategic planning approach fosters collective action and ensures that all members contribute to a unified vision for education reform.

This panel therefore provides the holistic approach that RELI Africa takes in transforming education systems across East Africa. Through collaboration, leadership, strategic planning, and the effective use of technology, RELI Africa is leading in ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to receive a quality education and thrive in an increasingly complex world. By acknowledging both the advantages and disadvantages of a digital society, RELI Africa is working to strengthen our collective impact, ensuring that technology becomes an enabler of equity and bringing the most marginalized learners closer to enjoying their right to education in this rapidly changing world

Sub Unit

• General Pool

Chair

• Moses Ngware, African Population And Health Research Center

Individual Presentations

• Harnessing Leadership to create a movement to strengthen accountability and champion reform of education systems in Africa - Gaudence Kapinga, Regional Education Learning Initiative, Africa (RELI Africa)

• Envisioning Education in Africa: What it takes for Children to receive Equitable, Quality Education and prosper in the modern world - Margaret Wawira, Zizi Afrique Foundation; Peter Magara, RELI Africa

• Educating an African fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive and Life-long Transformative Learning. - James Otieno Jowi, African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE); John Mugo, Zizi Afrique Foundation; Margaret Wawira, Zizi Afrique Foundation

Discussant

• Joyce M Malombe, Collective Rising Leadership Institute