Africa Youth at the Forefront of Change

ECW commemorates Africa Youth Day, showcasing young talents that are transforming the continent.

By Education Cannot Wait

November 1^st, 2024

As we celebrate Africa Youth Day, we reflect on the immense potential of over 420 million young Africans who are the driving force behind the continent’s development agenda. We are reminded of the importance of amplifying their voices, investing in their education and equipping them with the skills they need to shape a brighter future.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its strategic partners have invested heavily in the growth and development of young Africans by ensuring access to quality, holistic education and lifelong learning. ECW is empowering young Africans to build a future of progress, innovation and resilience in countries like Chad, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Africa faces significant challenges in providing access to quality education. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 30% of the 250 million out-of-school children globally. This education crisis is exacerbated by regional conflicts, climate-related disasters and systemic poverty, all of which force children to abandon their studies. In conflict zones, grave violations of children’s rights, such as attacks on schools, further disrupt learning. According to the UNHCR, Africa is home to nearly 30 million forcibly displaced people, a large portion of whom are children in need of educational support. For this reason and more, the African Union declared 2024 as the year of education.

"With the right opportunities, the current accomplishments and future potential of Africa are limitless." ~Yasmine Sherif

Transforming Lives through Education

Hafsat, 27, smiles as she teaches her students the alphabet at the ECW-funded temporary learning centre in Hajj Camp. © UNICEF/Ahmad Mari

Hafsat Finds a Future in Nigeria

Hafsat, a 27-year-old teacher at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, Nigeria, sees formal education as a lifeline for the vulnerable children she teaches. Many of these children were born into conflict or displaced by violence. Yet, through the support of ECW and UNICEF, they have found a place of learning and healing.

“I love children and I also believe that my line of work is important for peace-building.” ~Hafsat

Hafsat engages students in learning basic literacy and numeracy skills in Hajj Camp. © UNICEF/Ahmad Mari

Meda Keeps Education within Reach in DRC

For 21-year-old Meda, education was not always within reach. After fleeing violence in the Central African Republic and settling in the DRC, Meda’s dream of finishing school was cut short by an early pregnancy and societal stigma. However, with the support of UNHCR and local partners, Meda found the courage to return to school through the "Zéro enfants à la Maison" (No Children at Home) campaign, which encourages young mothers and caregivers to continue their education.

ECW’s investments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have already reached over 125,000 children, trained over 2,400 teachers, and provided cash incentives to 25,000 children to keep children in school.

“I am passionate about studying the sciences. I would like to become a teacher someday so that I can share knowledge with children and other girls like me.” ~Meda

Meda, 21, participates in a class lesson. Photo Credits: UNHCR/Vittoria Moretti

Building Skills for the Future in Chad

For Khadidja Abdoulaye, a 13-year-old student at the Non-Formal Basic Education Centre in Bol, Chad, education has opened doors to a world of possibilities. After arriving at the centre, she attended school for the first time in her life. At the heart of her journey is the pursuit of practical skills alongside formal education.

"I learn a lot here; [teachers at the education centre] patiently explain what is difficult to understand." ~Khadidja, 13

With a passion for science, she dreams of becoming a laboratory technician. Her days are filled with a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training in subjects such as sewing, mechanics and gardening. The Education Centre empowers out-of-school youth like Khadidja with the tools that they need to thrive, from basic literacy to specialized skills.

Under the guidance of teachers like Mamadou Adam Abakar, who teaches a range of subjects from arithmetic to debates on community issues like child marriage, Khadidja and her classmates are building a foundation that will enable them to create a better future for themselves and their families.

“I love seeing my students work well and learn. When their level improves, it's my reward, my motivation.” ~Boukar Adam, Sewing Instructor

Khadidja Abdoulaye, 13, listens attentively to a lesson during her morning class. © UNICEF Chad/Annadjib Ramadane

Empowering the Next Generation

Hafsat, Khadidja and Meda’s stories represent the dual approach needed to empower Africa’s youth — through both formal education and practical skills acquisition.

In 2023 alone, ECW reached 1.8 million young people in West and Central Africa, 920,000 in East Africa and 490,000 in North Africa with holistic, inclusive education.

ECW remains dedicated to investing more in youth development and empowerment across the continent. By providing them with the spaces and tools that they need to grow — whether through quality education, vocational training or holistic psychosocial support — we can unlock a future where Africa youth lead the charge in sustainable development, innovation and peace-building.

Teacher Boukar Adam works with Khadidja during sewing class. © UNICEF Chad/Annadjib Ramadane

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Footnotes

Story written by Samuel Arowosafe

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FootNotes

Story written by Samuel Arowosafe