51吃瓜

The impact of the pandemic has created immense challenges in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4, which strives to ensure quality education for all. Based on the finding in the policy brief, Africa presents the highest numbers in terms of education exclusion, with more than a fifth of the children aged between 6 - 11 years not in school, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). Education exclusion is also gendered, with girls being more likely not to attend and drop out of school, resulting in high illiteracy rates. Urgent action is therefore needed, especially in providing Internet access and connectivity, ICT tools and virtual learning opportunities, particularly in the face of an ever-growing youth population in Africa. Responding to this challenge, the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016-2025) highlights the need to strengthen the linkages between tertiary education and the world of work using appropriate technology. It is also important to revitalize and expand higher education to contribute to a well-equipped African workforce and globally competitive society. The ideas in this policy brief have been informed by the authors' ongoing research and experience and as a contribution to the Knowledge Network of the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA). The OSAA Knowledge Network creates a platform for the Office to engage with academics, experts and think tanks through a win-win partnership and seeks to bring visibility to the work of the experts in the global arena. Products from the Knowledge Network, such as this policy brief, will enhance the Office's advocacy on African priorities, as articulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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