Accra, Ghana — The transformative power of education is being highlighted by young people who are shaping its future. Haruna Asulibii Bariku, a 26-year-old from Ghana, is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including becoming a mother at 18 and being left to raise two young children alone, Bariku refused to give up on her education. She was selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and is now pursuing a Higher National Diploma in Hotel, Catering, and Institutional Management at Bolgatanga Technical University.
Bariku’s story is not unique, as over 100 million children across Africa are still out of school, preventing them from realizing the benefits of education. The persistent gap in education on the continent threatens human capital development, as well as deepening poverty and inequality cycles. Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), emphasized the need for a holistic approach to education, looking at it as a system that transitions learners into the world of work.
Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Science Technology in the Gambia, outlined five key pillars to guide Africa’s transformation in education, including resilient education systems, community participation, second-chance opportunities, inclusion, and climate-responsive learning. He stressed that resilience is no longer optional, but the foundation of survival.
Sierra Leone’s Radical Inclusion Policy is being recognized as a model for education access in Africa, ensuring that no child is left behind. The policy has increased access to education for out-of-school children and marginalized groups, including girls and children with disabilities. Uganda’s inclusive approach to refugee education is also being highlighted, with the country hosting nearly two million refugees and granting them access to the same rights as citizens, including the right to education.
Key policy recommendations include ensuring access to quality education, promoting inclusion and empowerment, and connecting young people to work. The Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy aims to enable at least 30 million young people to find dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. Partnerships and collaborations are also being emphasized as crucial in driving educational transformation.
The significance of education in transforming lives and communities cannot be overstated. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” With the right policies and partnerships in place, Africa can unlock the potential of its young people and drive progress on the continent.