SADC Education Advocates Push for Increased Funding, Modernized Curricula
The dialogue also called for improved education data systems and more affordable tertiary education across the SADC region.
HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Education experts at a regional dialogue called for increased government spending and modernized curricula to address educational challenges in Southern Africa, writes Winston Mwale.
The recommendations emerged during the 4th Regional Dialogue for Non-State Actors on the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030, held August 14-15, 2024.
Julie Juma of the Global Campaign for Education summarized key points, emphasizing the need for governments to meet international benchmarks for education spending.
She was speaking on behalf of a break-away group that was sicussing the topic: “Accountability and reporting for impact - Feminist principles of monitoring, evaluation, learning and accountability”.
"Governments should meet their commitments of spending as per international benchmarks of 15% to 20% of national budgets or 4% to 6% of the GDP on education," Juma said.
She added that civil society should actively monitor these commitments.
The dialogue also highlighted the importance of addressing financial leakages.
"Member states should take action on capital flight, corruption, illicit financial flows, austerity, and debt," Juma stated, noting that these issues drain resources from social services.
Curriculum reform emerged as a critical topic.
"The curriculum should be adapted to the 21st century needs," Juma explained, echoing the African Union's 2024 theme of building resilient education systems.
Experts emphasized the need for teacher training to keep pace with technological advancements.
"We heard from the youth, they were talking about issues of AI technology, education technology, but they are leaving the teachers behind," Juma reported.
The dialogue also called for improved education data systems and more affordable tertiary education across the SADC region.
"We need to hold the member states accountable for this," Juma concluded, urging non-state actors to raise awareness about educational disparities within the region.