By Alice Mukashyaka, Youth Reference Committee Member, Office of the African Union Youth Envoy
Imagine a world where every young person, regardless of where they are born, can confidently solve problems, make informed decisions, and envision a future filled with possibilities. This is not just a dream – it is a vision grounded in the power of numeracy skills, the focus of the 2024 Spotlight Report Learning Counts, and a cornerstone of foundational learning.
Numeracy is the language of logic, the art of numbers, and the key to unlocking potential. It is about much more than arithmetic and algebra; it is about critical thinking, problem-solving, and navigating life with confidence. Sadly, for at least four in five young children from across Africa, this aim remains just out of reach, locked behind barriers of inadequate education and limited resources.
The African Union has declared 2024 the Year of Education, a bold statement of our commitment to breaking down these barriers. This theme is more than a policy: it is a call to invest in the education of our youth.
Across Africa, young people are answering this call with creativity, passion, and determination. From cities and remote villages alike, youth-led movements are sparking change. A simple example is the innovative educational tech startup O’genius in Rwanda that is turning smartphones into classrooms. Such platforms are revolutionizing how we learn, making numeracy skills accessible to children who might otherwise be left behind.
Grassroots organizations are also making waves. An example is Starlight Africa, an organization I co-founded seven years ago. We host workshops, Math Olympiads, summer camps, mentoring, and other programs that demystify science, technology, engineering and mathematics to inspire a love for learning. Proving that with the right support, every child can develop the numeracy skills they need to thrive.
But we cannot address this systemic problem through grassroots interventions alone. We need a holistic approach that brings together governments, educators, and the private sector to build resilient educational ecosystems. This means investing in teacher training, modernizing curricula, creating partnerships, and leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate these efforts, but also to challenge ourselves to do more. Imagine an Africa where every child can calculate the trajectory of their dreams, and where numeracy skills pave the way for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. This is the future we must build — together.
As we celebrate the AU Year of Education, let’s commit to concrete actions. Let’s empower our youth with the tools they need to succeed, ensuring that numeracy becomes a universal language of opportunity.
Together, we can transform education and, in doing so, transform our future.
Alice Mukashyaka was a featured speaker in a GEM Report webinar co-hosted with the African Union, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa and the African Young Educators’ Network to celebrate the Day of the African Child on June 14. Watch the event video.