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, exemplifies resilience and determination. Despite becoming a mother at 18 and raising two young children alone, she refused to abandon her studies. Selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Bariku is now pursuing a Higher National Diploma in Hotel, Catering, and Institutional Management at Bolgatanga Technical University.
Bariku’s story reflects a broader challenge: over 100 million children across Africa remain out of school, denying them the benefits of education. This persistent gap threatens human‑capital development and deepens cycles of poverty and inequality. Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), stressed the need for a holistic approach that views education as a system transitioning learners into the world of work.
Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Science Technology in The Gambia, outlined five pillars to guide Africa’s educational transformation: resilient education systems, community participation, second‑chance opportunities, inclusion, and climate‑responsive learning. He emphasized 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 expanded opportunities for out‑of‑school children and marginalized groups, including girls and children with disabilities. Uganda’s inclusive approach to refugee education is also noteworthy; the country hosts nearly two million refugees and grants them 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, fulfilling work by 2030. Partnerships and collaborations are emphasized as crucial drivers of 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 across the continent.
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