Across the vast African continent, a digital revolution is quietly brewing. Driven by the innovative spirit of women, technology is transforming education in ways we’ve only dreamed of. From mobile learning apps bridging the digital divide to virtual reality classrooms bringing history to life, these trailblazing women are rewriting the narrative of learning in Africa. The African Union, recognizing their invaluable contributions, recently celebrated these pioneers, showcasing their groundbreaking work and inspiring a new generation of changemakers. This is their story. This is the future of African education.
AU Recognizes Trailblazing Women in Tech
Spotlight on the 2019 Innovating Education Expo
The 2019 Innovating Education Expo, a platform dedicated to showcasing innovative solutions to educational challenges across Africa, stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in the hands of passionate individuals. This event, organized by the African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA), provided a valuable platform for highlighting the achievements of female innovators who are redefining the future of education on the continent.
The Expo attracted a diverse range of participants, including educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and technology experts, all united by a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for African youth. This gathering fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable education system.
Celebrating Aspiration 6
The Expo’s focus on female innovators is deeply aligned with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for achieving a prosperous and integrated Africa by 2063. Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 calls for a continent whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children. By empowering girls and young women through STEM education and recognizing their contributions to the continent’s development, the Expo actively supports the realization of this crucial aspiration.
AU/CIEFFA’s Leading Role
AU/CIEFFA plays a pivotal role in promoting gender parity in education across Africa. As a specialized agency of the African Union, the Centre is dedicated to empowering girls and women through education, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to access quality education and reach their full potential. The Innovating Education Expo serves as a powerful platform for showcasing the Centre’s commitment to this mission and amplifying the voices of the talented female innovators it supports.
Innovative Solutions: Making a Difference on the Ground
The 2019 Innovating Education Expo illuminated the remarkable work of female innovators across Africa, showcasing a range of innovative solutions that are addressing key educational challenges in diverse contexts.
Two standout innovators, Susannah Farr from South Africa and Anne Nyaboke Wakesho from Kenya, exemplify the transformative impact of technology in education. Their projects demonstrate the power of technology to empower learners, enhance access to quality education, and drive positive social change.
Susannah Farr: Making Education a Co-Creative Journey
Susannah Farr, CEO of the Gold Youth Development Agency (GYDA) in South Africa, was recognized as the top innovator at the Expo. GYDA’s mission is to empower young people at the grassroots level through a replicable and scalable peer-education model that recognizes every young person on the continent as a future nation builder.
Farr’s approach emphasizes the positive influence that young people have over their peers, leveraging this intrinsic power to drive sustainable outcomes in education and behavioral change. GYDA addresses education challenges in challenging circumstances, seeking innovative solutions to create jobs in areas where opportunities are scarce.
GYDA’s evidence-based youth peer education model has reached over 55,000 young people across 123 communities in four countries, demonstrating the significant impact of grassroots initiatives powered by young voices.
Anne Nyaboke Wakesho: Enhancing Access to Literacy through Digital Apps
Anne Nyaboke Wakesho, representing eLimu Kenya, a leading digital educational content provider in East Africa, received second prize at the 2019 Innovating Education Expo. eLimu Kenya developed Hadithi Hadithi, a literacy app targeting out-of-school youth and early childhood children in communities and refugee camps.
Hadithi Hadithi is available in English, Swahili, and Somali, providing educational content reflecting Africa’s local realities through stories written and illustrated by Kenyan teachers and artists across East Africa. The app incorporates letter tracing, spelling, and sentence-making exercises, employing a pedagogical approach known as “Reading to Learn.” This method aims to improve reading and writing progress four times faster than traditional methods, significantly enhancing literacy levels among marginalized communities.
AU Recognises Female Innovators Using Technology to Transform the Education Sector in Africa
The African Union has taken a significant step in recognising and empowering female innovators who are using technology to transform the education sector in Africa. The recognition is part of the African Union’s commitment to promoting education and innovation on the continent, and to empowering girls and young women to become drivers of change in their communities.
As part of the AU’s efforts to promote education and innovation, the African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA) has been working to empower girls and women through education, in line with the strategic objective 6 of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25) which aims to “accelerate processes leading to gender parity and equity”.
Susannah Farr: Empowering Youth Through Peer Education
Susannah Farr, CEO of the Gold Youth Development Agency (GYDA) in South Africa, was the top innovator at the 2019 Innovating Education Expo. Her organisation is committed to serving young people at grassroots through a replicable scalable peer-education model that considers every young person on the continent as a future nation builder.
The GYDA is harnessing the positive influence young people have over their peers to drive sustainable outcomes in the area of education and behavioural change. The organisation is addressing education outcomes in challenging circumstances and looking at solutions to create jobs in areas where there are no jobs.
- The GYDA’s evidence-based youth peer education model has been used to reach over 55,000 young people in 123 communities across 4 countries.
- The model has been shown to be effective in driving positive social change and addressing educational disparities.
Anne Nyaboke Wakesho: Bridging Literacy Gaps with Digital Literacy
Anne Nyaboke Wakesho, representing eLimu Kenya, a leading digital educational content provider in East Africa, won the second prize at the Innovating Education Expo 2019. Her company created Hadithi Hadithi, a literacy app targeting young people out-of-school and early childhood kids in communities and refugee camps.
Hadithi Hadithi provides an education content reflecting Africa’s local reality through stories written and illustrated by Kenyan teachers and artists across East Africa. It also encompasses letter tracing, spelling and sentence making exercises. All these form a pedagogy known as “Reading to Learn” which aims at improving progress in reading and writing four times faster than traditional methods.
- Hadithi Hadithi is available in English, Swahili and Somali, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
- The app has been shown to be effective in improving literacy rates among out-of-school children and early childhood learners.
Amina Umuhoza: Providing Digital Support for Women’s Empowerment
Amina Umuhoza, a young Rwandan woman, stands up for women’s empowerment in her country through the initiative Dukataze, an online platform aimed at equipping girls with skills to navigate the digital world. The platform provides online counselling and creates a platform for girls to share their experiences and advice.
Dukataze empowers girls through e-counselling, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital world. The platform also creates a community of girls who can support and encourage each other.
- Dukataze provides girls with the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and share their own advice.
- The platform has been shown to be effective in empowering girls and young women to take control of their lives and make informed decisions.
Implications for the Future of African Education
The recognition of female innovators using technology to transform the education sector in Africa has significant implications for the future of African education. The use of technology has the potential to overcome educational barriers and create equitable learning opportunities for all.
The African Union’s commitment to promoting education and innovation on the continent is a step in the right direction. By empowering girls and young women to become drivers of change in their communities, the AU is investing in the future of Africa.
The Power of Technology
Technology has the potential to transform the education sector in Africa by providing equal access to education for all. The use of digital platforms and apps can reach a wide range of learners, including those in remote and rural areas.
The African Union’s recognition of female innovators using technology to transform the education sector in Africa is a testament to the power of technology in overcoming educational barriers.
- Technology has the potential to reach a wide range of learners, including those in remote and rural areas.
- The use of digital platforms and apps can provide equal access to education for all.
Investing in STEM for Women
The recognition of female innovators using technology to transform the education sector in Africa highlights the importance of investing in STEM education for women. STEM education has the potential to equip women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital world.
The African Union’s commitment to promoting education and innovation on the continent is a step in the right direction. By investing in STEM education for women, the AU is investing in the future of Africa.
- STEM education has the potential to equip women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital world.
- The African Union’s investment in STEM education for women is a step in the right direction.
Collaboration and Sustainability
The recognition of female innovators using technology to transform the education sector in Africa highlights the importance of collaboration and sustainability in promoting education and innovation on the continent.
The African Union’s commitment to promoting education and innovation on the continent is a step in the right direction. By collaborating with partners and investing in sustainable initiatives, the AU can ensure the long-term success of these innovative initiatives.
- Collaboration is key to promoting education and innovation on the continent.
- Sustainability is essential for ensuring the long-term success of these innovative initiatives.
Conclusion
As the African Union recognizes the remarkable contributions of female innovators harnessing technology to transform the education sector in Africa, we are reminded of the profound impact that innovative thinking can have on shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Through their pioneering work, these women are not only bridging the gap in access to quality education but also empowering students, teachers, and communities to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and data analytics, they are revolutionizing the way we learn, teach, and interact with one another.
The significance of this movement cannot be overstated. As Africa continues to grow and develop, the education sector will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, social mobility, and human development. By amplifying the voices and innovations of female leaders in education, we are not only promoting greater equity and inclusivity but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that will propel Africa towards a brighter future. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to support and empower these trailblazers, providing them with the resources, networks, and platforms they need to amplify their impact and inspire a new generation of innovators.
In the years to come, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking innovations emerging from the African continent, as female leaders in education harness the power of technology to drive transformative change. As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women, we are reminded that the future of education in Africa is not just about access or equity – it’s about creating a new paradigm of learning that is inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking. And as we look to the future, one thing is clear: the education sector in Africa is on the cusp of a revolution, and the possibilities are endless.