SADC, UNESCO ink COVID-19 deal
CHENGETAI MURIMWA
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have struck a deal to ensure continuity of education disrupted by the deadly coronavirus.
The collaboration seeks to facilitate inclusive learning opportunities for children, and youth during the period of coronavirus also known as COVID-19 which has forced counties to close education institutions as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The initiative entails supporting SADC countries in scaling up practices of distance learning solutions, and reaching the most at-risk children and youth. Investment in remote learning will be key during this difficult period. The deal will therefore accelerate the development of more open and flexible quality education systems.
The partnership,dubed #LearningNeverStops,was signed this week by SADC executive secretary Stergomena Lawrence Tax and UNESCO southern Africa regional director Hubert Gijzen.
The two organisations are now rallying development partners, international organizations, civil society organisations and private sector to join the coalition to ensure #LearningNeverStops.
They said the move was key in figting the deadly disease which has ravages economies across the globe.
Consequently, countries across the globe have closed schools and higher learning institutions.
Now, the initiative will support SADC member States in mitigating the effects of the coronavirus on education, and ensuring the continuity of education and learning programmes.
“School closures widen education inequalities and affect vulnerable children and youth disproportionately. We have a responsibility to ensure continuity, inclusion and equity for all learners,” Gijzen. said.
He added:“Strengthening access to innovative distance learning opportunities will ensure the provision of high-quality curricular contents. It also presents an opportunity to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to ensure learners will develop the right knowledge, skills and creative minds required by productive sectors in member states.”
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