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Ethiopia: The summer of our upheaval

Noticias

África/Ethiopia/Octubre 2016/Noticias/http://ecadforum.com/

This is the summer the Ethiopian people declared ‘I’ve had it up to here’ and rebelled against Woyane rule. A few things ignited the rage that has now engulfed the whole country. The Addis Ababa Master plan designed to confiscate land though being in the planning stage for a while did not go do well with the poor farmers. It was Abbay Tsehaye’s turn to prove his worth and he failed miserably. TPLF embarked on its killing orgy to quiet the noise. Over a thousand lives, tens of thousands youth in camps and untold property damage the repression did not achieved the intended result.

The issue of Wolkait-Tsegede reared its head at this unfortunate time. Unfortunate for the Tigrai based cabal. Of course Wolkait-Tsegede question became an Amhara issue. It is also true folks began to connect the dots. Before you know it Gondar defied the regime came out waving the real Ethiopian flag and picture of Bekele Gerba the unassuming Oromo leader. Slogans shouted ‘Oromo blood is Amhara blood’. Needless to say TPLF was in disarray.

The customary Erecha festival was the time when things took an ominous turn to the mafia group. Busloads of Amhara elders from Gondar, Bahir Dar and Northern Shoa came to Bishoftu to celebrate with their Oromo cousins. The elders sat down under one tent and affirmed their kinship. That was the straw that broke Woyane back. Their information and propaganda Minister had a meltdown on national TV. The Amhara and the Oromo cannot come together he declared with confidence. The TPLF playbook does not contain instructions on how to deal with the rest of Ethiopians getting together without the Tigrai group lurking in the middle.

Thus they even raised the deadbeat from happy retirement to come and defend ‘Revolutionary Democracy’. Seyoum Mesfin preached in his usual flat monotone manner with theories from centuries back and void of the truth. He managed to put us all to sleep. Abbay Tsehaye in his own bland way tried to paint a good picture, Berket the ill fitting child neither Eritrean or Ethiopian tried to show presence but nothing worked. First round saw Kassu Ilala and Aba Dulla in the mix with Ledetu brought out last in this circus show. None of the above act got traction. The defiance in both Amhara and Oromo regions intensified.

Ethiopians both at home and those dispersed all over the world felt empowered when they saw our Oromo and Amhara cousins standing together. The minority ethnic based regime was feeling the heat. No amount of propaganda was changing the perceptions of a regime cornered. True to nature the Politburo declared State of Emergency and created a parallel government. ‘Command Post’ is in charge of the country and no one knows who under what authority choose three people from the same party to make a life and death decision about our family. Command Post is another name of TPLF Politburo.

The Decree was typical TPLF senseless bravado. Drawn by school children its full reach came trickling by. Even when it was read on National TV the Decree was backdated a day early. The kangaroo Parliament was not even consulted. Well after the fact they collected MP’s from their Teg Bet and made them vote. What was interesting is the fact some from Oromia and Amhara regions stood up and refused to vote on the illegal proclamation. We commend their efforts, all is not lost. As you read this our country is ruled by the TPLF Politburo with not even a hint of shame. Whether you like it or not TPLF have taken over the country. Holding on to that power is an existential question for a few people. As I said the balance was tipping against the mafia and they had to do that to rule another day.

What gives a person a pause is the news about the meeting in London by International Oromo Lawyers Association.  I am glad our Oromo people got together to exchange experiences and get to know each other. The Oromo region of the country has become a killing field and it is natural those that escape the atrocity will get together to help their family and speak out loud to remind the world. Ethiopians inside the country are facing Agazi murderers on a daily basis and their children in the outside are gathering, marching, collecting signatures and keeping hope alive.

I am afraid the London Conference was not designed to find a solution, expose the dire conditions at home and publicly shame the dictatorial regime. No that was not the purpose of this assembly. For some strange reason the organizers including Ato Teshale Aberra a former Chief Justice of Oromia region under the tutelage of TPLF and Ato Jowar Mohamed a social activist and Oromo Network official among other notables decided to use such an empowering conference to throw dirt on their own old Nation. I know it is mind-boggling but that is the route they decided to take at this important time in our history.

Their claim was to give a forum to all that are concerned about Oromia and the future. Normally in such conferences the organizers invite individuals or organized groups to tell the assembled their vision on how things are going to be like when they are made in charge. They usually bring out folks that after careful study and long practice give guidance to their people and help put matters in perspective for the average person to digest. It is considered futile and a waste of valuable time to dwell in the past when the people are clamoring for smart way of doing stuff to get out of a dangerous and deadly situation. One cannot normally go to the length of allocating time and money to waste it on trivia and ‘Mamo Kilo’ story.

They actually gave the microphone to an individual that threatened to dismantle our country so he can build a free Oromo Nation. I agree it is a bizarre notion but he actually said that and those in attendance clapped cheerfully. An individual that has the title PhD in front of his name was happy to say ‘our job is not to act as pillar (Meseso) to hold Ethiopia together. I believe and recognize the right of both gentlemen to express their feelings or wishes whichever way they like. That is not what I am concerned about. What I find strange is why the organizers thought inviting people with such vile and unattainable position would attract others to the cause of freedom and justice.

Both gentlemen and their friends seem to have forgotten they currently reside inside Ethiopia. How they will continue on their Nation building process while everything around them is in disarray is not clear at the moment. Other than espousing some tired ideas about ‘independence’ our honorable friends have not worked out the nuts and bolts of National dissolution or Nation building. Believe me it is not an easy matter. Ask our ancestors.

Some use history as a club to knock down others instead of using history to learn from and build a better future. They go hundreds of years back and argue with passion as if it happened right here in front of our eye. It is when they want to settle score today that they bring out what happened a long time ago. The fact they are becoming what they hated in others does not seem to strike them as a little strange. In Ethiopia this sort of mentality has become a national culture. The Derg swore to get rid of inequality but turned out to be a killing machine. TPLF Woyane came with much fanfare as the savior of the Nation but is now fighting for its life while threatening to hightail it back to Tigrai and leave us fighting each other. So much for ‘I love Ethiopia.’

Looks like our Oromo organizer of the London conference have not heard of what happens when you catch the tiger by the tail. They are trying to duplicate a broken system that is on the verge of collapse. Why Oromo supremacy would work when the Tigrai version failed is a mystery. Today our people are in the process of forming a United Front. Why some fail to see this as a positive sign of maturity and a sure formula to guarantee a lasting peace is a very perplexing matter. One is forced to look deeper and try to determine if TPLF has infiltrated some of the groups. It is worrisome to see all the ugliness of the conference being used by TPLF outlets and Woyane Social Media activists to disparage and put down our movement for freedom.

There is another conference scheduled in Atlanta in a few days time. Would it turn out to be another hate fest and ‘pie in the sky’ storytelling gathering or approach the problem our people are facing in an adult manner and use the opportunity to give hope to our people. It is our collective wish that the organizers rise up above the sloganeering and cheap theatrics that attract the unhinged among us and embark on the road of building one Ethiopian Nation that holds its children in a loving, equal and compassionate manner. We urge you not turn our summer of upheaval into the winter of our discontent. No doubt you will lose but that does not mean there will be winners.

We wish our Oromo people gathering a huge success. Our people are paying a heavy price and this is no time to rain on their parade. This is not time to add to the sadness but a time to give hope. This is not the time to selfishly try to shine the light on oneself but a time to unite together and confront the mafia regime as one. We have them staggering and all we got to do is push them gingerly so their fall does not affect us much. The question is are you going to push or give a shoulder to lean on, you decide my friends, we already have. We are pushing.

Fuente:

 http://ecadforum.com/2016/10/28/ethiopia-the-summer-of-our-upheaval-yilma-bekele/

Fuente imagen:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UDa4FPiGge2CwdUFOeP9HXzW4kTJ-TI4mWxtGiIINsuFjbhu_chQ0htkmZnJEQOx8ZlkpA=s85

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Sudáfrica: Underfunding of universities needs presidential attention

Noticias

África/Sudáfrica/Octubre de 2016/Autor: Tammy Petersen/Fuente: News 24

RESUMEN: Dos décadas de escasez crónica en el sector de la educación superior deben ser abordados de inmediato por los que están en los más altos niveles de gobierno, dijo el Consejo de la Universidad de Witwatersrand el viernes. Ha abogado por el instituyente urgente de una reunión multidisciplinaria, de deliberación para explorar las opciones de financiación sostenible para la educación superior de manera que ningún estudiante se excluya financieramente, asi como el establecimiento de plazos y etapas claro, los recursos necesarios y la capacidad de los gobiernos para asegurar que el trabajo requerido sea llevado a cabo de manera expedita. «El sector de la educación superior en África del Sur está en crisis con las protestas estudiantiles en curso que provocan la interrupción y destrucción. El enfoque de estas protestas es el elevado precio de los enseñanza superior, que está restringiendo el acceso de un número significativo de estudiantes», dijo el consejo en un comunicado .

Two decades of chronic underfunding in the higher education sector need to be addressed immediately by those at the highest levels of government, the council of the University of the Witwatersrand said on Friday.

It has called for the urgent instituting of a multi-disciplinary, deliberative gathering to explore sustainable funding options for higher education so that no student is financially excluded; the establishment of clear time frames and milestones; and the necessary resources and capacity from government to ensure that the required work is undertaken expeditiously.

«The higher education sector in South Africa is in turmoil with ongoing student protests causing widespread disruptions and destruction. The focus of these protests is the unaffordability of higher education which is restricting access for a significant number of students,» the council said in a statement.

«Access to higher education should not be the preserve of those who can afford it. At the same time, we cannot allow deterioration in quality. It is for this reason that the council…recently joined most other constituencies at the university in openly declaring its support to work towards the goal of free, fully-funded, quality, decolonised higher education.»

The council said this aim should be «considered within the broader context of the pervasive poverty, unemployment and inequality in our country».

«If one examines this context, it is clear that universities cannot be expected to achieve the goal of free, fully-funded, quality, decolonised higher education in isolation from other stakeholders, particularly government.»

Research funding

It was «deeply distressed» by the proposed short-term funding levels, the council said.

«Our universities are a significant national priority. They are the only institutions that are capable of producing the high-level skills that are required to advance innovation, tackle the challenges of the 21st century, and safeguard South Africa’s economy and its future.

«We are particularly distressed by the proposed funding for research-intensive universities, which we believe for a university like Wits will be 4% less than inflation next year. Our country needs high levels of investment in top-end research to create new knowledge that is relevant to society and that will enable us to participate in the global knowledge economy. This is also critical to enabling our universities to promote indigenous knowledge and its inclusion in curricula.»

It said universities were at risk of losing academic talent to the private sector and other countries if they could not be paid adequately or work in an environment that is conducive to learning, teaching and research.

«The fact that numerous universities are unable to continue with the 2016 academic programme has immense consequences for the country. The unfortunate, but necessary and unavoidable presence of police and private security is a further tragedy. For these and many other reasons, it is imperative for stability to return to the sector.»

The situation is a national crisis and requires the president and his office to lead in finding resolutions, the council said.

Sustainable solutions

«The inclusion of the National Treasury in the ministerial task team is an important step in the right direction, but we believe that the president should be at the forefront of exploring options for the sustainable funding of higher education.

«We also call on all relevant stakeholders, including Parliament, the private sector, civil society and others to join our request that public universities be adequately funded. We call on genuine student leadership to come forward and demonstrate real commitment to finding sustainable solutions.»

Violent protests have been playing out at Wits, as well as at other universities across the country.

Students in September began protesting over free education after Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announced that tertiary institutions could raise fees, but by no more than 8%.

In his medium term budget policy statement on Wednesday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said an extra R17.6bn is needed over the medium term to fund South Africa’s higher education system.

Government will draw from the contingency reserve to make funds available from existing budgets.

Government to fund increase for some students

A portion of the resources to support university students will be found elsewhere from within the post-school education system.

University subsidies will grow at an annual average rate of 10.9% over the next three years, while allocations to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) will be increased at 18.5% providing support to underfunded university students.

In the 2016 budget, R5.6bn was added to university subsidies to fund the shortfall caused by there not being an increase in fees for the 2016 academic year, Gordhan said.

In the same budget, Nsfas received additional funding of R10.6bn over the 2016 medium-term expenditure framework period.

Of this amount, R2.5bn was allocated in the current year for short-term debt relief for 71 753 unfunded or inadequately funded students who were at universities in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 academic years.

The remaining R8bn was for unfunded new and continuing students for the 2016 academic year and beyond.

In the 2017 medium-expenditure framework, government will fund the increase in fees at higher education institutions for the 2017 academic year, up to a maximum of 8% for students from households earning up to R600 000 per year, Gordhan said, while top-ups will also be made to Nsfas.

Fuente: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/underfunding-of-universities-needs-presidential-attention-wits-council-2016102

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Sudáfrica: Clashes in Cape Town as students demand free tuition

Noticias

África/Sudáfrica/Octubre de 2016/Fuente: Aljazeera

RESUMEN: Los estudiantes en la ciudad sudafricana de Ciudad del Cabo se han enfrentado con la policía durante la protesta exigiendo educación gratuita en todo el país. La policía lanzó granadas de aturdimiento, cañones de agua y gases lacrimógenos mientras trataban el miércoles para dispersar a la multitud de manifestantes estudiantiles. Según AP agnecy noticias, los estudiantes quemaron un ataúd de madera simulada para el ministro de Educación para mostrar su descontento con la respuesta del gobierno a sus demandas. Al Jazeera Haru Mutasa, la presentación de informes del centro de Ciudad del Cabo, dijo que al menos un estudiante resultó herido durante el enfrentamiento. «Los estudiantes siguen viniendo. Ellos se niegan a irse. Se mantuvieron escondido entre las tiendas,» dijo. «Ellos son firmes y dicen que quieren una educación gratuita, incluso si el gobierno sigue diciendo que no puede permitirse el lujo de pagar.» Los manifestantes dijeron que quieren una educación universitaria gratuita para ayudar a la  brecha de la desigualdad de Sudáfrica.

Students in the South African city of Cape Town have clashed with police during protest demanding free education across the country.

Police fired stun grenades, water canons and tear gas as they tried on Wednesday to disperse the large crowd of student protesters.

According to AP news agnecy, students burned a mock wooden coffin for the education minister to show dissatisfaction with the government’s response to their demands.

Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa, reporting from Cape Town city centre, said at least one student was injured during the confrontation.

«The students kept coming back. They are refusing to leave. They kept hiding between the shops,» she said.

«They are adamant and they say they want free education even if the government keeps saying it cannot afford to pay.»

Protesters said they want free university education to help close South Africa’s inequality gap.

Police called on the protesters to leave immediately and return to school «because they are disrupting business», our correspondent said.

«These are scenes that the government does not want to see in the city of Cape Town. It’s a tourist destination. It’s the last thing they want to see.

«But students are saying, ‘our parents cannot afford the tuition. So how can you expect us to continue [university]?'»

In a speech on Wednesday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan promised additional funding for higher education in his speech, while calling for the «violence to stop».

He promised to cap the tuition fees for 2017.

Violent protests began last year putting the government under pressure to fund free tertiary education.

Many black students say they come from poor families, and fee increases will rob them of the opportunity to continue studying.

South Africa’s economy is struggling. Although it has regained the title of Africa’s largest economy from Nigeria, it could be on the brink of recession. It barely escaped a rating agencies downgrade to junk status recently.

It is rich in mineral resources, but mining production fell 0.2 percent year-on-year in August and farmers are suffering from the worst drought in more than a century.

The International Monetary Fund said corruption in South Africa is holding the economy back.

Fuente: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/clashes-cape-town-students-demand-free-tuition-161026134326852.html

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La formación profesional de calidad en la escuela proporciona mejores empleos a los estudiantes en Zambia

Noticias

Africa/Zambia/30.10.2016/Autor y Fuente:http://www.unesco.org/

Cada año, unos 300.000 alumnos dejan los estudios en Zambia y muy pocos de ellos consiguen ingresar luego en cursos de EFTP. El proyecto de la UNESCO, que forma parte del Programa Mejor Educación para el Renacer de África (BEAR por sus siglas en inglés), aborda el problema mediante la incorporación de la formación profesional a los planes de estudios de la enseñanza secundaria.

Estudiantes y jóvenes adultos que habían dejado los estudios participaron en un proyecto que se llevó a cabo en una escuela secundaria y un centro de aprendizaje y aumento de capacidad (CABLAC) del sur de Zambia, en el que obtuvieron diplomas de carpintería, construcción, metalurgia, fontanería, diseño y sastrería, entre otros.

El director de la escuela secundaria, Jericho Nzima, explicó las ventajas de combinar la formación profesional con el programa ordinario de estudios.

“Antes de que el Proyecto BEAR se aplicara en este centro, teníamos algo así como un sistema educativo de dos niveles, pero los índices de matrícula eran muy bajos. Con la introducción del proyecto hemos alcanzado un gran número de alumnos en nuestro programa de formación profesional”.

La escuela también otorgó diplomas a 50 pasantes que habían adquirido experiencia profesional empírica, pero carecían de instrucción formal o capacitación en sus especialidades respectivas. Al otorgar esta garantía en forma de un certificado oficial, los alumnos alcanzaron la condición de obreros calificados, lo que amplía sus oportunidades de empleo en sus comunidades.

Cursos de alfabetización como parte de la formación profesional

En el CABLAC del sur de Zambia los adultos que habían abandonado los estudios tuvieron la oportunidad de aprender oficios como diseño, corte y costura, en el marco del Proyecto BEAR, pero los cursos de alfabetización de adultos eran una condición indispensable para poder matricularse.

La coordinadora docente y tutora de alfabetización Tina Mtonga declaró: “Antes de comenzar el proyecto, realizamos una encuesta comunitaria con la TEVETA (Autoridad de capacitación técnica, profesional y empresarial) y descubrimos que la mayoría de los candidatos que habíamos entrevistado eran analfabetos”.

La Sra. Agness Bwalya Kaulwe dijo que se sentía muy feliz de recibir un diploma de diseño y alfabetización a sus 47 años de edad.

“Tras haber abandonado los estudios hace tantos años y sin posibilidad de ampliar mi educación, me complace estar aquí, en CABLAC, porque aprendo inglés y aritmética. Esto significa que podré comunicarme de manera más eficaz y gestionar mejor mi hogar y mi negocio, porque además nos enseñan técnicas empresariales”.

Treinta y una alumnas participaron en la primera edición del curso de diseño, que tuvo un efecto positivo en la comunidad.

“Estamos viendo muchos cambios, empezando por los alumnos de la escuela, porque la mayoría de ellos son los padres de nuestros propios alumnos (en la enseñanza primaria). Vemos respuestas positivas, porque se ha puesto de relieve la importancia de la educación”, afirmó la Sra. Mtonga.

El Proyecto BEAR cuenta con el apoyo financiero del gobierno de la República de Corea, que tiene por objeto ayudar a los países de la SADC [Comunidad para el Desarrollo del África Meridional, formada por Botswana, la República Democrática del Congo, Malawi, Namibia y Zambia] para que mejoren sus sistemas de EFTP. Desde 2011 el proyecto ha puesto en marcha programas sectoriales mediante iniciativas conjuntas con los sectores público y privado.

La UNESCO – Cedefop Global Skills Conference [Conferencia UNESCO-Cedefop sobre competencias a escala mundial] tendrá lugar en la Sede de la UNESCO en París, los días 20 y 21 de octubre de 2016, y en ella se examinará el tema “Competencias, empleos y desarrollo sostenible: Tendencias mundiales y problemas locales”.

Fuente:

http://www.unesco.org/new/es/education/resources/online-materials/single-view/news/quality_skills_training_at_school_opens_the_door_to_better_w/#.WAx5teXhAtt

Imagen: http://www.unesco.org/new/typo3temp/pics/b34c56081e.jpg

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Kenya: Education Ministry sets tough measures to curb exam cheating

Noticias

África/Kenya/30 Octubre 2016/Fuente:capitalfm /Autor:Simon Ndonga

Resumen: El Ministerio de Educación ha anunciado medidas más duras para frenar el engaño, que incluyen la prohibición de las cajas geométricas y portapapeles.  Las medidas anunciadas por el secretario del gabinete Educación Fred Matiang’i junto con su TIC y las contrapartes de Seguridad Interna Joe Mucheru y José Nkaissery también incluyen la prohibición de las tablas matemáticas y calculadoras para los exámenes que no requieren de ellos.

Nairobi — The Ministry of Education has announced more tough measures to curb cheating which include the banning of geometrical boxes and clipboards.

The measures announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i together with his ICT and Internal Security Counterparts Joe Mucheru and Joseph Nkaissery also include the banning of mathematical tables and calculators for exams that do not require them.

«The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has reviewed examination rules on the conduct of the national examinations to seal loopholes that have previously enabled candidates to cheat in examinations. Some of the changes include banning the use of clipboards and geometrical sets from examination rooms,» a statement from the ministry stated.

Candidates will be required to carry their geometrical instruments and writing materials in a clear see-through porch/poly bag/plastic paper.»

According to the statement, the use of mobile phones within the precincts of the examination centres will not be allowed for all involved during the written examinations set to begin next week.

«The role of Principals/Head teachers has been reviewed to make them Centre Managers in their examination schools hence ensure that they more accountable for the examination administration process,» the ministry said.

Matiang’i further stated that the teachers who are expected to remain in school will be those involved in the administration of practical subjects and boarding facilities as all schools are expected to close by Friday.

«All teachers except those involved in the administration of practical subjects and boarding facilities will be expected to remain out of schools during the examination season starting from November 1st to November 30th 2016,» he said.

He explained that head teachers and principals of all schools will pick the examination materials daily from the containers and return the scripts to the containers at the end of the examinations daily.

He stressed that all necessary staff have been trained on matters related to physical security, personal security and document security.

He pointed out that all supervisors and invigilators who will be involved in the 2016 examinations have been vetted to ensure that they are suitable to dispense their duties.

«It is expected that due to the creation of an examination season, teachers of high integrity will be released to supervise and invigilate the examinations,» he said.

He emphasised that all systems of storage and distribution of examination materials have been reviewed and that they will employ intensive ICTs more than ever before.

Fuente de la noticia: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2016/10/education-ministry-sets-tough-measures-to-curb-exam-cheating/

Fuente de la imagen: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/files/2016/10/KCSE-2015-RESULTS-MATIANGI.jpg

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South Africa: Roadmap needed to finance higher education

Noticias

África/Sudáfrica/30 Octubre 2016/Fuente: /Autor:

Resumen: Se necesita una hoja de ruta para financiar los gastos de estudio de los estudiantes pobres y de clase de trabajo para hacer frente a las tasas universitarias en curso protestas en todo el país, dijo el miércoles el gobierno.

A roadmap to finance the study costs of poor and working class students is needed to address the ongoing university fees protests across the country, government said on Wednesday.

«A roadmap is needed to fully finance the costs of study for students from poor and working-class families. The plan needs to consider the impact of different education interventions to maximise social and economic transformation,» said government in its 2016 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Minister Gordhan, who tabled the MTBPS in Parliament, said university education benefits society and it also improves graduates’ income and employment prospects.

The Minister said universities and students will receive an additional R17 billion over the term – R9 billion for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme over the period ahead and over R8 billion to meet the costs of fee increases for students from households with incomes up to R600 000.

In his maiden MTBPS since returning to the National Treasury portfolio, Minister Gordhan said the «fees must fall» movement by university students has placed the issue of education funding at the centre of the policy debate.

«It has also generated welcome suggestions on how to fund tertiary education,» noted the document.

The 2016 MTBPS which is also dubbed as the mini budget proposes to accelerate the growth of spending on post-school education. Despite fiscal constraints, subsidies to universities grow at 10.9 % each year and transfers to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) grow at 18.5 %.

In the 2016 Budget, R5.7 billion was added to university subsidies to fund the zero percent fee increase for the 2016 academic year, while the NSFAS received additional funding of R10.6 billion over the MTEF period.

However, students across the country have continued their protests across various universities, calling for free higher education, despite the announcement by Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande. Minister Nzimande at a briefing last month said universities could increase fees by no more than 8%.

«In the 2017 Budget, government will fund the increase in fees at higher learning institutions for the 2017 academic year up to a maximum of 8% for students from households earning up to R600 000 per year,» said the MTBPS on Wednesday.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of tabling the country’s 20th MTBPS, Minister Gordhan said concerns were raised by students.

«We hear them absolutely clearly. There’s no room for violence in any form. The objective is to ensure that people have access [to higher education] and become a dynamic part to our economy,» said Minister Gordhan.

He stressed that government is listening to students. «This is not a government that is not listening.»

Adding to the Minister’s comments, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Jeff Radebe said that the task team set up to look into the matter is seized with bringing about normalcy to higher education institutions. «We need to protect the future of our children,» said Minister Radebe.

Speaking at the same briefing, Minister Nzimande said the country needs to expand its colleges and that the country is facing a shortage of mid level skills.

Over the past five years, expenditure on post-school education and training has grown much faster than other budgets.

Allocations have increased from 1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 to 1.5 % today. Most of this increase benefited vocational colleges, sector education and training authorities and the National Skills Fund, rather than universities.

«Building on the successful expansion of access to higher education, government acknowledges the need to correct its course and increase the number of graduates, while improving teaching and research,» said Minister Gordhan.

The mini budget said those who go on to become affluent citizens have a responsibility to contribute a share of these gains to the next generation.

«In higher education, as in all areas of public policy, decisions and trade-offs are required to ensure balanced, sustainable development that meets the vast needs of the population using available resources.»

Added to that, government is working to expand post school education and training to produce a larger pool of mid to high level skills as envisioned in the National Development Plan.

Improving learner throughput rates by developing teaching and learning support plans for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges is a priority.

The colleges will receive support to refurbish workshop facilities and to obtain equipment and protective gear for practical training. Training for artisans will be expanded while community education and training will receive support.

Fuente de la noticia: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/roadmap-needed-finance-higher-education

Fuente de la imagen: http://www.cnbcafrica.com/ImageGen.ashx?image=/media/18941608/gordhan__flickr.jpg&crop=resize&height=425&Compression=75&width=73

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Ghana: Yvonne Nelson Promotes Education

Noticias

África/Ghana/30 Octubre 2016/Fuente: Allafrica/Autor: Alex Ohene

Resumen: La actriz célebre, Yvonne Nelson, ha aconsejado a los estudiantes que tienen un gusto por las artes creativas que se tomen su educación formal en serio y no la abandonen.La actriz y productora populares dijo esto durante su discurso de aceptación después de que ella fue galardonada en la edición 2016 del Festival de Broadway Drama

Celebrated Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, has advised students who have a flair for creative arts to take their formal education seriously and not abandon it.

The popular actress and producer made the call on Saturday during her acceptance speech after she was honoured at the 2016 edition of Broadway Drama Festival.

The award was for her quest to discover new talents, to give others a chance to reach the height she has attained.

According to Yvonne Nelson, «Education is a key in every aspect of our lives. It prepares everyone for every endeavour, and so it is to the creative arts industry.»

Though a lot of schoolgoing children want to pursue a career in the showbiz industry, she reiterated that their primary aim now should be their education because they are still in school.

«Take your lessons seriously and make your parents proud,» she added when she tasked children not to waste their parents’ resources at school by not studying.

The drama festival which was held at the Presbyterian Hall at Osu in Accra on Saturday attracted different drama groups from various senior high schools across the country.

The ‘Heels & Sneakers’ producer was honoured at the ceremony alongside other personalities for their contributions towards the creative arts industry. Before leaving the premises of the Presbyterian Hall, she took time to pose for photographs opportunities with students.

Fuente de la noticia: http://allafrica.com/stories/201610260878.html

Fuente de la imagen: https://www.ghanastar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ghanastar_2016-10-26_09-24-06.jpg

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