Supporting Teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa

In the past decade, the international community has experienced an economic crisis which has had a profound effect on all areas of the world. Unfortunately, education has drastically been effected throughout this crisis. UNESCO has prioritized spreading education since its formation. The Sub-Saharan African region has shown to have the most trouble protecting its levels of education in comparison to other countries. UNESCO’s mandate specifies the importance of education, which is especially crucial in the upcoming years as it will allow for maximum growth in social and economic development. In this committee, education should be recognized as a basic human right, so it is vital for delegates to formulate ideas that will build and strengthen the education system. Most developed states consider education to be a basic part of life; however, in most countries in Africa, it is considered a luxury. This topic deals directly with the implications that may occur and what measures need to be taken before hand.

Currently in Africa, UNESCO’s a “Teacher Training Initiative” in which forty six Sub-Saharan countries will participate in to coordinate policies, teaching styles, and labor practices with respect to the priorities of the MDGs and Education for All movement. Over the span of ten years, this initiative looks to improve all aspects of education beginning at grassroots levels, with an over goal to achieve Education for All in the respective time frame. Delegates should use this initiative as a baseline for the types of activities and initiatives that should be taken to unify the teaching system in this area. It will be of utmost importance for delegates to keep in mind the respect of importance of respecting the sovereignty of the countries in the area while forming possible solutions. Just from the implementation of the “Teacher Training Initiative,” the amount of children enrolled in schools has increased greatly, starting at about 87 million in 2000 to 129 million in 2009. This 6.1% increase in attendance is just the beginning of how important education is becoming in these locations.

Movements such as Education for All create a broad structure for an education system, allowing for countries to build and transform the system to best suit its particular country. Through this movement, the committee can magnify its creation to suit the African region and implement it in areas of need. Delegates will have to work together to understand the current systems of education in this specific region. The committee will have to take into account the importance of maintaining an equal and fair system of education, in order for equal opportunity. It will be important to consider past initiatives taken and then reconsidering them with the current financial situation.