UNESCO supports African teachers

Education Today newsletter article, July - September, 2003

"African teachers are at the heart of UNESCO’s efforts. The Organization is launching a new initiative for teacher training in sub-Saharan Africa. This programme will help countries develop the policies, teacher education, and labour practices (with the International Labour Organisation) that will be required, if the Education for All goals are to be achieved.........

"The UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) works with education institutions using capacity building approaches, research, networking and communication. The institute aims to improve the quantity and quality of African teachers by addressing such issues as distance education and ICTs to respond to problems of teacher shortage and teacher development, equipping teachers to deal with HIV/AIDS, and exploring new and innovative approaches. IICBA works with several universities within and outside Africa to develop distance education programmes to boost the skills and qualifications of the staff of teacher training institutions. IICBA has also created a network which enables teachers and teacher educators to share important lessons learnt and materials they have developed amongst themselves."