AU Commissioner Highlights: 100 Million African Children Deprived Of Education

The African Union (AU) has sounded an urgent call to action in response to the alarming statistic revealing that over 100 million African youth are not socially integrated due to a lack of education….READ ALSO

This pressing issue was highlighted by AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mohammed Belhocine, during the ongoing AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

Belhocine emphasized the detrimental impact of this educational disparity, noting that millions of children and youth across Africa face social exclusion and vulnerability to various dangers such as exploitation by terrorist groups, drug dealers, and human traffickers. Many of these marginalized individuals, he observed, often become ensnared in criminal activities or are compelled to migrate within Africa or beyond its borders in search of opportunities.

To address this critical challenge, Belhocine stressed the importance of providing support to these disenfranchised children and youth through vocational and technical training. By equipping them with essential skills, he argued, they can become self-reliant and better positioned to contribute positively to their communities and economies.

The AU commissioner also acknowledged the significant education deficit facing Africa, particularly in terms of quality education at the foundational level. Shockingly, nine out of ten children in Sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read and comprehend simple texts by the age of 10, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.

Looking ahead, Belhocine emphasized the need for substantial financial investment to bridge the funding gap and achieve universal education coverage by 2030. He called upon the global community to rally behind Africa in this endeavor, recognizing that collective action and support are essential to addressing this pressing issue and unlocking the potential of millions of African youth.