In a significant move towards advancing educational initiatives across the African continent, His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, has accepted the esteemed role of Champion for Foundational Learning (FL) in Africa. This pivotal announcement marks a major milestone in FL advocacy efforts, with President Hichilema poised to lead the charge in prioritizing foundational learning across the region.
The decision comes in response to Resolution II of the Ministerial Communique issued at the conclusion of the 2023 ADEA High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum on Foundational Learning (HLPDF), which underscored the importance of influential leadership in promoting FL initiatives. Ministers were urged to encourage their respective Heads of State to champion the cause of foundational learning, recognizing its critical role in shaping the educational landscape of Africa.
In a letter dated 18th April 2024, addressed to ADEA (Association for the Development of Education in Africa), the Ministry of Education Zambia conveyed President Hichilema’s acknowledgment of the honor bestowed upon him to serve as the face of FL advocacy on the continent.
ADEA views President Hichilema’s acceptance as a significant milestone in addressing the challenges facing FL in Africa. As Champion for Foundational Learning, President Hichilema is poised to elevate the visibility of FL initiatives regionally, continentally, and globally. His advocacy efforts will aim to mobilize support from fellow Heads of Government, development partners, and civil society stakeholders to address critical issues such as poor teacher capacity, learning loss exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing number of out-of-school children.
President Hichilema’s commitment to education and Zambia’s remarkable progress in foundational learning will serve as exemplary models for other African nations. Leveraging success stories from Zambia, President Hichilema will showcase effective strategies and insights to strengthen FL efforts across the continent.
ADEA plans to convene a follow-up HLPDF on FL, where progress against commitments will be reported, and a new FL agenda for Africa will be set. President Hichilema’s appointment as the inaugural Champion for Foundational Learning marks a significant step forward in Africa’s quest to improve learning outcomes and secure a brighter future for its children.
