A new report by AFRITEACH sheds light on the deep challenges facing education systems across Africa, especially in marginalized communities, and offers a roadmap for transformation.
The report, launched during a virtual meeting on November 22, explores ways to unite educators across the continent to advocate for systemic change and equitable access to quality education.
Speaking at the launch, Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), emphasized the critical need for change.
“This report lays the groundwork for creating a union that not only unites African teachers but also uses their collective power to push for education reforms,” he said.
Masaraure highlighted the importance of addressing education inequalities, ensuring access to quality learning environments, and protecting schools from emergencies, conflicts, and poverty.
The report identified five key areas to improve: quality learners, environments, content, teaching, and outcomes.
Among its findings were persistent barriers such as insufficient funding, lack of teacher training, and marginalization within the profession.
Recommendations included advocating for a minimum wage for teachers, safe school environments, and curricula that embrace Africa’s indigenous knowledge while discarding colonial influences.
Tsebo Mokuku from Lesotho called for collective action, saying, “Let’s unite across all education sectors to create meaningful discussions that can lead to improvements in Zimbabwe and beyond.”
Trade unionist Alex Geiger from Germany added, “Africa should bring these conversations to the African Union level to drive substantial improvements.”
Pride Mukono, AFRITEACH’s Southern Africa representative, noted that grassroots mobilization and cross-border collaboration are essential.
The report highlighted the lack of solidarity among unions and proposed strategies like resource diversification, capacity-building workshops, and international partnerships to create a sustainable, continent-wide teacher movement.
By registering in Zambia and establishing leadership by year-end, AFRITEACH hopes to create a democratic and inclusive platform.
Its focus on marginalized communities and underserved regions positions it as a crucial tool for driving equity in education across Africa.
