World Teachers’ Day: African Union recognizes the need to empower teachers
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on the fifth of October to celebrate teachers worldwide.
While educators around the globe face a myriad of challenges, the day serves as a reminder that their work does not go unnoticed.
The African Union joined in the celebrations of the day as educators, policymakers, and advocates convened at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.
The African Union participated in the celebrations as educators, policymakers, and advocates gathered at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mark World Teachers’ Day.
There was a rallying call for robust investment in teachers, which is key to driving meaningful change.
This year’s theme, “Valuing teacher voices: Towards a new social contract for education,” emphasizes the indispensable role that teachers play in the educational landscape of the continent.
As the African Union continues to reinforce the importance of valuing teacher voices, a recent report by UNESCO shows that teacher recruitment is not on track globally, with an urgent need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030.
Of every three teachers needed globally, one is required in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the report.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest number of teachers globally, with only 9 out of 46 countries expected to meet the target by 2030.
