24 May 2024 | Foreign Affairs.
The African Union theme for 2024; “Educate an African fit for the 21st century”, is timely, prompting the potential and wealth of knowledge of Africa through its young population, its diversity, its Agenda 2063 ambitions, and the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to uplift Africa and realise its true potential.
As we commemorate Africa Day, I am reminded of the wealth of African history which serves as our own foundation as a country.
To be part of the African community in the 21st century is to be a guardian of a history that runs deep and influences our decisions as a people to this day. This year, let us be reminded of how far Seychelles has come as a country which prioritises inclusion and access to education for all. Our unfailing pursuit of bettering our people has culminated in such pivotal institutions as the University of Seychelles, the Guy Morel Institute and the vast career options nurtured by our many post-secondary schools. All of these are synonymous with the value we have placed on creating a workforce fully equipped to undertake the challenges of this generation and to make our contributions for the generations to come.
Even as a relatively young country, our education system has been heralded as one of the most progressive in the world, let alone on the African continent. Our nearly one hundred percent literacy rate and continuous updating and revamping of the school curricula demonstrate our indomitable will to adapt to the dynamic demands of the 21st century. Entrepreneurship, Information Technology and the Blue Economy are now concretised in all levels of our schooling system which further shows Seychelles’ preparedness to welcome this year’s theme towards the common African good.
This year, we observe Africa Day at a critical point in African history, in an environment of unprecedented challenges. Various crises are being witnessed across the Continent, from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate-induced extreme flooding and severe droughts leading to food insecurity. Against these difficult circumstances, Africa must persevere, and show its resilience and determination to get back on its feet, better and stronger.
Today, we join the 1.2 billion voices of African songs, anthems, rhythms and dances. We celebrate the invaluable wealth of African poetry, folklore, legends, victories and struggles passed down to us as our prized inheritance.
As we welcome this year’s theme, I urge the Seychellois people to celebrate our teachers and educators, our students and lifelong learners, our history and common future.
I wish you all a Happy Africa Day!
