The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has commenced a three-day workshop in Pretoria, South Africa, focused on advancing Phase II of the #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign and promoting vocational education as part of the African Union (AU) theme for 2024, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century.” Led by the Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism, and Human Resources, with participation from the Committee on Gender Equality, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, the workshop convenes representatives from AU’s Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), the African Union International Centre for the Education of Girls and Women in Africa (AU-CIEFFA), and civil society members.
Aligned with the AU's 2024 theme, the workshop underscores the role of vocational education in tackling youth unemployment, gender stereotypes, and economic inequalities. By expanding skill-building pathways, participants aim to make vocational training inclusive, accessible, and relevant, especially for underserved communities. The workshop also supports Phase II of the #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign, an advocacy initiative urging AU Member States to safeguard girls’ education rights, particularly in emergencies. This phase focuses on recovery strategies to sustain educational access for girls and young women across Africa.
Representing the PAP President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, PAP’s 4th Vice President, Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat, welcomed participants and emphasized the transformative potential of education, noting, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming our society. It can change lives, uplift communities, and build nations.” He further highlighted the critical role of vocational education in addressing the continent’s high youth unemployment and meeting labor market demands.
Hon. Mahamat also emphasized parliamentarians' role as "architects of legislation and decision-makers in public policy through budget allocation," encouraging them to champion reforms that align educational programs with market needs. Leveraging their influence, he called on PAP members to prioritize "legislation, oversight, and budget allocation" that supports vocational training, empowering young Africans to thrive in a competitive world.
The workshop includes discussions on the #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign and vocational education, emphasizing the modernization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to address labor market demands while breaking down gender stereotypes. Attendees will engage in best-practice sharing and dialogue, with practical sessions and site visits deepening their understanding of vocational education challenges and opportunities in the host country.
The workshop is expected to conclude with resolutions aimed at revitalizing TVET systems, linking vocational education to Africa’s socio-economic goals, and ensuring educational accessibility. By advancing Phase II of #AfricaEducatesHer, PAP aims to build momentum toward a future where every young African has access to quality education, driving continental development and unity.
