Education Ministers from the Commonwealth countries have proposed increased investment in the sector.
Speaking during the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in Nairobi, the ministers noted that the boost is expected to carter for foundational skills, as a fundamental need for all.
I gladly received your ministerial statement and look forward to working with Kenya to implement these new ideas and recommendations for the next three years
Patricia Scotland
The two-day conference themed, ‘Rethinking Education for Innovation, Growth and Sustainability post-Covid-19′ gave policy makers and ministers opportunity to device ways of developing sustainable and resilient Education systems.
Financing Education
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC said the two day discussions focused on important issues such as financing education and Covid-19 mitigation.
Patricia noted that recovery strategies, education and employability, redefining learning spaces and education for sustainability and peace were also major points at the conference.
“I gladly received your ministerial statement and look forward to working with Kenya to implement these new ideas and recommendations for the next three years,” she added.
She said for communities and societies to reap education benefits, there was need for high quality and inclusive systems throughout the member states.
“Education lays the foundation for personal and social development, responsible action and good citizenship,” she explained.
For Commonwealth, she disclosed, education is the best guarantee against unemployment and poverty.
Sustainable Development Goals
She further called upon the ministers and policy makers to build, reinforce, and sustain the partnerships to deliver the targets and SDGs.
Chairman of the Education Ministers Action Group (EMAG) and Kenya’s Minister of Education, Prof George Magoha said the conference provided a platform for progress review as member states.
Prof Magoha stated its importance in building synergies and developing way forward towards improving education across the countries.
It is, therefore, my earnest hope that our discussions in the last two days will accelerate momentum towards the achievement of the Education 2030 commitments
George Magoha
“It is, therefore, my earnest hope that our discussions in the last two days will accelerate momentum towards the achievement of the Education 2030 commitments,” Magoha reiterated.
With regard to recovery from Covid-19, ministers, policymakers, civil society, and development partners committed to building resilient education systems to withstand future threats.
“We sought to improve access to digital connectivity and skills to support teaching and learning even during disruptions,” read the statement.
This will build back better and resilience system for fair, inclusive economic recovery, and a sustainable future in the Commonwealth.
Over 200 international delegates from 40 Commonwealth countries, and over 200 participants from Kenya, attended the conference hosted by Kenya in Nairobi.