eLearning Africa – Do our youth have the right skills?

Are African governments failing to provide young people with the skills they need to prepare them for the future? That will be the subject of the ‘eLearning Africa Debate’ to take place at this year’s eLearning Africa conference to be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from 23-25 October.

Now in its 14th year, eLearning Africa is an annual pan-African conference dedicated to examining the potential for using new communications technology to spread educational opportunity. This year’s theme is ‘learnability and employability’ and how to harness the continent’s youth potential in a future world of work marked by digital disruptions.

As usual, the conference brings together international education and technology specialists, government ministers, entrepreneurs and investors to discuss opportunities for expanding Africa’s growing education sector, a subject that lies at the heart of the African Union’s plans for turning Africa into a ‘transformed continent’ by 2063.

Recognising that the majority of Africa’s population is millennial and younger, the three-day conference will focus on the continent’s youth and its potential for success.

Digital disruptions

“Young Africans need to be well prepared for the digital disruptions that are already transforming, and will continue to transform, the future of work in their countries. Which skills must they have to thrive in the digital future? In response to that question, there will be sessions focused, among other themes, on digital inclusion and how to make the fourth industrial revolution a reality that benefits Africa. Others will explore how to develop students’ skills and attitudes that foster entrepreneurship, creativity, persistence and ambition,” according to a statement from the organisers.

In recognition of the importance of quality teachers, the programme also focuses on strategies to enhance teaching and learning that are universally relevant, transcend traditional academic disciplines, and support diverse occupational and community needs.

Innovative methods that aim to improve teachers’ performance, while motivating and encouraging them to embrace innovation will be discussed.

Additionally, eLearning Africa 2019 will explore how interactive virtual tools can provide opportunities to practise laboratory techniques and perform authentic workplace tasks online, while promoting science education.

Because connectivity, an essential element in the virtual world, is still a major issue in Africa, the programme has dedicated a session to highlighting solutions that provide affordable access to internet and offline educational services and content, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship

Recognising that small and medium-sized enterprises are important for the growth and development of Africa, this year’s programme explores different initiatives in Africa which aim to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to grow their businesses and make them sustainable.

Discussions will also address how the demand for entrepreneurial training and skills can be met outside traditional channels and explore different initiatives to attract both learners and entrepreneurs.

For more information, visit the conference portal or contact Rebecca Stromeyer at info@elearning-africa.com.