OUAGADOUGOU — Young Africans in Ouagadougou on Youth Day advocated for a substantial overhaul of the educational system to better reflect African values and meet labor market demands.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Moumouni Dialla, the gathering on Saturday centered around themes of integration, peace, security, and the pivotal role of African youth. The discussions aimed to not only share best practices but also to craft recommendations for government officials on tailoring education to align more closely with African realities and job needs. Dialla emphasized the necessity of integrating young people in efforts to combat insecurity and foster peace.
The conference, held under the banner 'Integration, security, peace, and development: Role of African youth,' was part of the 2024 International Youth Day celebrations. The first panel discussion focused on the role of African youth in peace and security, while the second delved into educational reforms. Dialla called upon development partners to support educational frameworks that resonate with African communities for the betterment of the youth.
Panelist and expert on violent extremism, Issa Démé, praised the CNJ-BF's initiative for highlighting the influential role of young people in peace efforts. He pointed out the necessity of updating traditional African educational systems to include not only students but also young people not currently enrolled in school. Démé highlighted the risk of neglecting rural youth, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education.
Camille Rouamba, a participant from the Center-West region, noted that young people are crucial in the fight against terrorism and urged authorities to revisit educational models to incorporate African values more fully. "We can really show good examples of resilience and the promotion of peace and solidarity for the reconquest of our territory," Rouamba stated.
The event was organized by the National Youth Council, in collaboration with the Pan-African Youth Union and the Ministry of Youth.