Open Space

Cher Bernardin
Merci d'avoir partagé Eduform Afrique. Permettez-moi de vous donner quelques réflexions en anglais.
I have read the articles in the magazine with great interest. Thank you for referencing a blog I wrote for ETF Open Space for your cover article: ''Compétence ou diplôme pour l’embauche'', about the change in recruitment practices for the federal government in the US. The subtitle of your article: ''Et si l’expérience américaine inspirait l’Afrique'' is an intriguing question. In fact it might well contribute to the debate sparked by professor Abdeljalil Akkari of the University of Geneva with his ''Ten proposals for rethinking 21st century education in Africa'', published in the June edition of your magazine (http://www.eduformafrique.org/doc/eduformafrique-mag-45.pdf). What a rich and inspiring document! I see a connection with prof. Akkari’s proposal 2: ''The overhaul of existing development models'', introducing a vital African development model and training young people in skills for the sectors that are vital for development. In my view it also connects to his proposal 5: ''The necessary revaluation of manual work and vocational training''.

Recruitment of people, based on their skills and competences instead of on college degrees is a powerful idea. To make it work, you would need different pathways to enable people to acquire relevant skills and competences. And you would need people to know which pathways are available for them and make these pathways accessible to them.
I am following the American example to learn how they are coping with these challenges. Even in a rich country such as the US there are large groups of people who have no access to good education. 2/3 has no college degree. Last month the portal ''Find SomethingNew'' was launched in the US. It tries to address some of these challenges. The platform is created in cooperation with leading private, public and non-profit sector partners. It might be worth to have a look. (https://findsomethingnew.org/).

Some thirty years ago I taught for four years at a technical school in Zimbabwe, as a white teacher. It was after independence and it was a time full of hope. I have a big heart for Africa ever since. Professor Abdeljalil Akkari’s ''Ten proposals for rethinking 21st century education in Africa'' provide many concrete ideas and a lot of inspiration. I will follow with great interest the debate via your magazine.

Merci chère Mirjam de votre commentaire si enrichissant. Vous avez été pour la source de l'info et il est honnête de le reconnaître, ce que nous avons fait. Nous tiendrons informé le Pr AKKARI de vos grandes idées. Nous sommes ensemble pour la suite du débat.