Overview

Africa is the second largest and one of the most diverse regions of the world. The potential of Africa resides in its human, cultural and linguistic as well as its ecological diversity and natural resources. But Africa faces a variety of serious challenges. Three-quarters of the world’s poorest people live in sub-Saharan Africa, a situation created and exacerbated by the persisting denial and lack of capacities induced by unequal socio-political and economic systems. It is also a continent challenged by the rapid growth and urbanization of its population and the need to meet the educational and then livelihood needs of young people. In this context, youth and [adult learning and education] are the foundation for sustainable development. […]

Youth and adult learning and education are an effective tool to develop Africa’s people, impart appropriate skills (including vocational and technical skills), knowledge and attitudes among youth and adults in order to enable them to participate actively in the true integral development of their countries and the attainment of the Education for All and Millennium Development Goals.

From: African Statement on the Power of Youth and Adult Learning and Education for Africa’s Development, adopted at the CONFINTEA VI Preparatory Conference in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, 5 – 7 November 2008