Background
Access to quality education and the opportunity to develop skills and competencies is vital in preparing youth for the future. An investment in their human capital is an investment in the socio-economic future of our societies. The Youth Café aspires to provide high quality education and training systems, that are efficient and that facilitate young people’s access and integration. However, youth on the continent face high unemployment rates and difficulties in transitioning into the world of work. In light of the UN 2030 goals, SDG no. 4 and international commitments, relevant stakeholders must be assisted in providing quality education to equip youth with skills and competencies to take on future challenges and opportunities in the society: “21st century skills”. Innovative schooling systems, under different forms, have been shown to improve student success, active citizenship and transversal skills, needed for the future job market. There are good examples of multi-stakeholder collaborations in creating innovative learning environments (e.g. ESTEM, VET and Global Education). Coordination and dissemination of these efforts in the region is necessary.
Our objectives on Education & Skills:
“To enhance cooperation between African and international “innovative secondary schools” and key stakeholders in promoting the 21st century learning (equipping youth with relevant skills for the future job market and using cutting-edge & digital pedagogy).”
“Build a partnership between “innovative schools”, with a focus on “21st Century skills” and “student-centred learning methods”. Joint learning, innovation, and experience-sharing are achieved through partnerships, virtual and physical mobility exchanges. Students and teachers acquire the skills, knowledge and certifications needed to continuously improve teaching and learning outcomes and to succeed in the labour market.”
“An African network of “innovative” secondary schools that equip students with “21st Century skills” (abilities, and learning dispositions required for success in today’s society and workplaces).”
“Mutual learning and sharing of best practices is achieved through networking between African and international stakeholders. Informed policy recommendations are developed, advising policy makers on innovative pedagogy.”
Our activities and aspirations on Education & Skills
Selection of volunteer innovative secondary schools, based on measurable criteria of practice of innovations/21st century learning and student participation. Within them:
Facilitating physical exchanges between teachers to share best practices, methodologies and innovative pedagogies, help each other to thrive in their role and positively impact the students.
Enhancing youth employability through our signature Career Transition and Development Program.
Facilitating virtual and physical exchanges of students to work on joint projects, promoting experiential learning.
Establishment of Africa Youth Leadership Centre, a new 2 million USD project built to help young people with competence for the next phase in their life.
Youth Excel: Our Knowledge, Leading Change. Youth Excel is a global program that will empower young people and youth organizations to use Implementation Research to strengthen local, national, and global development solutions.
Designing/adapting and maintaining an online platform (knowledge hub, information portal & forum) for innovative schools across Africa & internationally.
Offering a database of innovative schools and best practices of creative “21st century” pedagogy.
Enabling virtual exchange and capacity building of students, teachers, networks, and schools.
Fostering network development and engagement of various stakeholders (of innovative schools, experts, institutions, authorities and CSO).
Strengthening legitimacy and visibility of the innovative schooling practices, disseminating results and drawing recommendations, and promoting further investments.