AFS Intercultural Programs’ Post

A final update from Mike Feerick, Alison's Founder and CEO, ahead of his plenary session on The Future of Education. With the conference's theme aimed at rethinking and redesigning education systems for global inclusivity, the conversation has circled around the enduring challenge of accessibility versus selectivity. Despite ambitious projections of increasing college enrollments to 380 million by 2030, Mike highlights a glaring gap: the pace is too slow for a world population of 8 billion, where only a fraction currently hold degrees. The stark realities of educational access across different geographies, from Mexico's 25% of college goers to Africa's mere 10%, it underscores the urgency for revolutionary approaches. As Alison continues championing free, accessible education for all, Mike's reflections reinforce our commitment to being part of a bold solution to global educational disparities. Stay tuned for updates on Mike's session and our journey towards a more equitable future in education. #Alison #EmpowerYourself #FreeEducationForAll #ThePowerOfFree #InnovationInEducation #SocialEnterprise #GlobalEd2024 #IFCEducation #IFCEduConference IFC - International Finance Corporation IFC Education

International Youth Day The 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes how digitalization is creating new opportunities for young people to drive sustainable development across the globe. In this light, I celebrate the remarkable work being done by African youth who are at the forefront of this digital revolution. Their efforts are driving progress in economic, social, and environmental dimensions across the continent. In the past 10 years, this impact has been accelerated by U.S Department through the Mandela Washington Fellowship which has empowered 7,000 young African leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to lead in the digital age. These Fellows are not just leaders; they are catalysts for change in Sub-Saharan Africa, using their training to make a tangible difference in their communities. The State Department has done an incredible job in equipping these youth to be leaders of today and tomorrow. I call upon all United Nations agencies and development partners to recognize the value of these trained, empowered, and equipped youth in Africa. Seek out Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni for collaboration and partnership. Together, we can turn clicks into progress and drive sustainable development across Africa and beyond. #YouthEmpowerment #MWF2024 #DigitalTransformation #SustainableDevelopment #CollaborationForImpact

You Will Not be Young Forever 💡One of the greatest lessons the young can learn is the fact that soon age will catch up with them. But it's never bad to get old! True, it's never bad, and actually it is a blessing. But think about it this way: 🌀 Think about the #energy and #strength you possess as a youth. As time goes, naturally we grow weak. The energy slowly fades away. 🌀 Think about the much #time we have and the little #commitments. As time goes, you realize that you don't have time and commitments increases. You now have a family that needs your time, a job that has tight schedules and much more. 🌀 Think about the #opportunities for growth and development you have ~ everybody wants to support the youth. As time goes, these opportunities slowly fades away and you have yourself to support you. 🌀 And think of the young brain with unlimited #innovative power you have while still young ~ your brain can create almost everything. But as time goes and your mind is loaded with commitments, all you think about is how to meet those commitments and your brain can't go beyond that. 💡With this understanding, as a young person, the best you can do is maximumly make every minute count. Make hay while the sun shines. For the old age is soon approaching! Invest in your youth, and your future will be secure. #YoungProfessionals #Investinyouryouth #YouthshapingthefutureofAfrica #YoungAfricans CorpsAfrica Alumni Network CorpsAfrica African Union of Youth Assembly -AUYA Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa Upcoming African Youth Priscillah Nganga MARGARET MUNGAI JOE NJUGUNA James Kaguyu R Elwin Yves Delphin Gasore Betty Mutua Catherine Wanjiru SAMUEL NJUGUNA Gloria Kelego SHARON JELAGAT

In view of words of Late Mr. Nelson Mandela that "education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world", I'm privileged to be part of the AIIDEV's 2024 cohort of the African SDGs mentorship programme. Our weekly lecture (Week 2) was on the Agenda 2063 of the African Union,which can be best described as a blueprint aimed at actualizing "the Africa We want". It is structured as a 50 year plan through 5 phases of a 10 year implementation plan and presently,we are in the second decade termed "the decade of acceleration" which aims at the following, •Every AU state attains atleast middle income status. •Africa is more integrated and connected. • Public institutions are more responsive. • Africa resolves conflicts amicably. •Citizens are more empowered and productive. •Africa is a strong and influential global player. It is important to note that youths have an important role to play in achieving these objectives by active participation, innovation and creativity, advocacy/awareness,skill development/education and Youth Entrepreneurship. The 20 goals of the 2063 agenda are shown in the picture,and we should ensure all hands are on desk to actualize this worthy reality.

We are excited to present to you the toolkit "Pathways to Transforming Education" created in collaboration with Catalyst 2030 members. We are proud to contribute to the development of the toolkit. It's a free guide that you can download and use at your institution to promote quality education. #unsdg #sdg4 #sdg4qualityeducation #qualityeducation #qualityeducationforall #bilingualeducation

🌏 Youth are our hope for the future, but they often lack the support and capital needed to realize their full potential. MEDA is tackling this by working in partnership to build: 🔹Youth networks that provide skills training 🔹Catalytic capital to advance youth-led initiatives Learn more about MEDA's youth initiatives and reflections from the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit: https://ow.ly/4KoW50TCuNr How is your organization supporting the next generation of innovators? #YouthEmpowerment #SocialImpact #GYEO2024

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," underscores the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Skills and jobs for youth are a key feature in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Target 4.4 specifically calls for a substantial increase in the number of youth and adults who have access to pathways to acquire relevant skills. #UniversityofGalway #WorldYouthSkillsDay #PeaceandDevelopment #UNSDGs #SustainableDevelopment

Is the African youth prepared to lead the continent? In the heartbeat of Africa, where diversity is our strength and resilience our legacy, a crucial question resonates: Is the African youth well-prepared to step into the forefront and lead the continent towards a brighter future? I am going to explore four areas of how African youth are preparing for the transition. Educational Foundations Education forms the bedrock of leadership, and the African youth is on a trajectory of transformation. With a rising emphasis on quality education and innovative learning approaches, the continent's youth is acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Some attend the most outstanding universities across the world with one goal to learn. Entrepreneurial Spirit One of Africa's greatest assets lies in the entrepreneurial spirit ingrained in its youth. Across the continent, young minds are embracing innovation, launching startups, and driving economic growth. This spirit of entrepreneurship positions them as catalysts for sustainable development and positive change. Tech Pioneers In an era defined by technological advancement, African youth stands at the forefront of digital innovation. From coding clubs to tech hubs, young Africans are harnessing the power of technology to address local challenges and contribute to the global tech landscape. Championing Social Change The African youth is not just waiting for change; they are driving it. From climate activists to advocates for social justice, young Africans are amplifying their voices and mobilizing communities to address pressing issues. They are the architects of a more equitable and sustainable future. Should we conclude that the African youth are prepared for the brightness of the continent? Maybe later not today. In the intricate tapestry of Africa's future, one pivotal thread we cannot ignore is the prevailing political landscape. As the continent's ambitious youth strive to contribute positively and shape the destiny of Mama Africa, the question looms: Are the existing political conditions truly conducive to their aspirations?..... NB: Below, Thione NIANG , a source of inspiration in leadership, is not responsible for any of the above sentences. #AfricanYouth #Leadership #Empowerment #Innovation #FutureLeadership

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin Education is the foundation of progress. It reduces inequality, promotes sustainable development, and empowers individuals to improve their lives and communities. We know education is critical to our progress, so what's stopping us? We’re billions short per year to provide quality education for all, especially in low-income countries. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 by 2030 will require a major increase in funding and commitment. In this edition of #impactknowledgebits, we explore why education is essential and where we need to focus our efforts to achieve SDG 4. #Innpact #SDG4 #Education #ImpactInvesting

🌟 Inspiring Story: Bringing Hope through promotion of Literacy and Literary🌟 In the midst of personal struggles, a ray of light shone upon me. A simple yet life-changing idea emerged, whispering hope into my soul. Despite the potential limited financial gains, I knew this idea had the power to make a difference. Something I've always wanted to do since the age of 17. This idea was the catalyst that lifted me from my state and motivated me to take action. With an indomitable spirit, I embarked on a mission to visit schools and introduce a vital program, a program that was inspired by the African Teens writing project called Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative (ATABI) that is also my brain child. The response I received from the first school called Toli S. S. S, where I piloted my program called Esigela SA Learners Book Initiative was beyond heartwarming. Their warm welcome embraced my initiative, igniting a flame of optimism within me. As I witnessed the smiles of these young minds, a powerful realization struck me. it was more about investing in the future generations. I share this story not to glorify my efforts, but to shed light on the amazing possibilities that arise when we heed the call within us, no matter how small it may seem. A single idea, born out of personal adversity, has the power to uplift others and create ripples of positive change. Join me in this journey of empowering young hearts and Let’s develop a literate and educated generations, a call that is align with the UN Sustainability Development Goal 4 and 4.6, the 2030 Agenda. Together, we can illuminate the future, one child at a time. 💫✨ #Inspiration #Empowerment #EducationMatters #BringingHope #TransformingLives #bringingAfricanstoriestoesigela #letafricatellherstories #2030agenda #sdg4 #sdg4.6 #globalgoals #unsdgs