In a significant step toward addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable development in Africa, the Development School Africa (TDS Africa) has launched a new educational initiative aimed at empowering and equipping young Africans with the knowledge and skills needed to build a sustainable future for the continent. Unveiled on the 28th of April, 2023, under the leadership of the Development School’s founder, Seun Olagunju-Lana and a team of educators, the Innovation Workshop intends to foster a deep understanding of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promote practical solutions tailored to the unique needs and challenges of African communities.
“Africa is in need of sustainable development – and since young people are our largest resource, there is a need to begin educating and equipping young people to promote the development of this region,” said Seun Olagunju-Lana “The Development School’s work is to introduce Education for Sustainable Development, which is a new kind of education fast-growing in Western countries. By doing this, we aim to provide children and youths in Africa with a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, education and climate change crisis from early ages.”
The first Innovation Workshop was held in Lagos, Nigeria in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s library – The American Corner. More workshops and educational initiatives are being rolled out across different cities and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in partnership with libraries, schools and educational institutions across the continent, ensuring wide accessibility and inclusivity. The Development School plans to leverage these partnerships to expand the program’s reach and impact, enabling a greater number of young Africans to benefit from the transformative educational experience. In addition, the Development School’s team will collaborate closely with participating schools to integrate the program into existing curricula and provide ongoing support and mentorship to students and teachers.
The workshop has already received positive feedback and support from key stakeholders and young people committed to sustainable development in Africa. Lola Omotunde, one of the participants from the workshop in Lagos said “The workshop was engaging, fun and educative, a great introduction to the SDGs. Looking forward to more initiatives from TDS Africa.”
A participant engages with templates at the workshop provided by The Development School Africa, with the aid of resources from the World’s Largest Lesson and UNICEF.
A participant receiving her certificate of participation.
As Africa faces numerous environmental, social, and economic challenges, the launch of this educational initiative comes as a beacon of hope for a brighter and sustainable future. By empowering young Africans with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges, the Development School Africa is paving the way for a generation that will actively shape the continent and lead Africa toward a more sustainable future.
For more information about the Development School Africa’s educational initiatives, please visit www.tdsafrica.org or contact [email protected].
