EDUCATION AND AFRICAN FUTURES: A CALL TO A PARADIGM SHIFT FOCUSING ON FUTURE - READY LEARNERS

 The First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports as well as the Conference Host - Hon. Janet Museveni (Centre); The Chief Guest and Prime Minister of Republic of Uganda - Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda (to her left) and the Conference Keynote Speaker - Dr. Tom Rudmik (to his left). To the right of the First Lady is Professor Vincent Anigbbogou - The Director General of the Institute for National Transformation and Dr. James Magara - the CASTLE Board Chairman 

I have been privileged to attend probably the greatest thought-provoking event for me in 2019 - The Center for Advanced Strategic Leadership conference on Education and African Futures 2019. Uganda Airlines (The national Carrier of the Republic of Uganda) was this year was re-birthed and  its operations across the African skies resumed. It has gathered momentum and the sky is only its foundation. We can only imagine what the experience was like for the crew and passengers on its maiden flight. Were they anxious the night before the flight across the beautiful Lake Victoria to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya? No words can sufficiently explain that entire experience but for the people on board that flight. This was the analogy that former Legislator  Leadership Consultant and Coach - Hon. Dr. Benson Obua Ogwal used when providing an overview of what transpired through the conference. He chaired the Seventh and final session of the just concluded Center for Advanced Strategic Leadership (CASTLE) THINK TANK Conference held at Mestil Hotel Kampala between 30th ad 31st October, 2019 under the theme: "Education and African Futures."

CASTLE in partnership with the Institute for National Transformation (INT) - a training platform for No-Excuse Leaders of Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence; in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports hosted an Inaugural two - day  conference attracting stakeholders in the Education Ecosystem to explore forecasts for Education on the Continent and possible pathways for strengthening the systematic management of education, and providing effective and inclusive teaching and learning on the continent to produce future-ready learners. It attracted Education and non-education experts and provided opportunity for dialogue and exchange to identify practical measures for meeting the needs and aspirations of Education Stakeholders: youth, Students, teachers, employers, workers, research institutions, universities, governments and civil society. 

The conference featured engaging plenary and break out sessions, panel discussions by experts, and exhibition of innovative education products and services. The case for the conference was a challenge identified by a world bank report released on 5th March, 2018 stated that Africa faces a "severe learning crisis" that undermines economic growth and well being of its citizens. This is against a backdrop of a fast changing world characterized by the velocity and volume of change generating unprecedented opportunities and challenges for educational systems worldwide. Nowhere has this rapid change been felt more than on the African Continent considering its rapidly growing population which is projected to continue doing so or the rest of this century. However, with the application of innovation to foresight, it is possible to turn this potential challenge into great opportunities. The conference program was designed, therefore, with this end result in mind

Day 1 of the Conference had an address by the Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda - Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda who also officially opened the conference. In attendance was the Conference Host - First Lady and The Minister of Education and Sports Lady - Hon. Janet Museveni. The Prime Minister reiterated government's commitment for universal access to affordable and quality education that matches the needs of the society.

The Key note Address was delivered by Dr. Tom Rudmik, the founder of Master's Academy and College in Calgary Canada on the topic; "Transforming Education in Africa by 2030" with a key emphasis on, "Becoming Imaginable." His presentation took a case study approach which focused on work he is doing in his school to make his students "Future-ready." Their approach of Imaginal Education built upon Profound learning and Innovation is a stark contrast with the current system in Uganda. It proffers ownership of the learning experience to students shifting it from the Teacher. He makes a case for change of system when it is obsolete a mere improvement cannot make it relevant. He notes that 85% - 90% of system variation or performance is caused by the system, not the people. His approach goes beyond design thinking which only focuses on today's problems with today's knowledge. 

The Master's academy approach shifts the responsibility of discovering new knowledge to the  students with the Teacher facilitating and learning along with them. This phenomenon of imaginal leaders are those who analyse future opportunities and threats and use innovation tools to design possible solutions to those challenges. Dr. Tom notes that innovation is the number one competency needed to drive the future. He notes that it all starts with everybody acknowledging that we have a problem. Key stakeholders must wake up to the realization that Education is not just broken but obsolete. He critiqued the attempt to catch up with other nations on grounds that it is based on an unrealistic assumption that the nations Africa intends to catch up with are stagnant or rather not moving forward themselves. Dr. Tom stated that the end game for any education system is that the product becomes a functional or useful person in the economy. He noted that the answer for the future is not preparing more students for University but for their future roles in that environment. He noted that Rote learning focuses on test scores which hinder and limits learning and doesn't prepare students for the world of tomorrow. Then why haven't things changed? The quick option is to blame the Government, economy or somebody else in the system yet we all know better. He urged the participants to "SAY NO TO POWERLESSNESS." If the system is broken, then all that is needed is system improvement. However, an obsolete system needs transformation, not improvement. Imaginal leaders see and create the future. So how does one become an imaginal leader. They go beyond rendering something obsolete because saying something is obsolete does not make it so. However, they create something better and new. Imaginal leaders build prototypes, tools and systems that can scale the transformed system at a demonetized cost, with increased impact at a fraction of the cost of the current investment in an obsolete system. 

Dr. James Magara, the CASTLE Board Chairman and Co - founder of Vine International Christian Academy while presenting on the paper entitled: "Education and Africa 2063" noted Education is a process of Community life and work. He said Africans who lived over a century ago had an education that empowered them to live in the environment and the community of the time. They were predominantly Hunter-Gatherers and as such, the education equipped them with skills such as Ability to  stalk and locate prey; Ability to pursue what they hunted, deal he deadly blow by striking the target with maximum force and decisiveness; ability to gather the kill and bring the trophy home. 

Conversely, around that same time, Europe was undergoing the first Industrial Revolution from around 1765. Key economic activities included Coal mining, Textile industry, mechanized agriculture. Coal and steel were the main drivers of the first industrial revolution and Education was for a few. The second Industrial Revolution saw the rise in Electricity Generation; the Oil sector, line work assembly, automobile industry , planes, telegraph, telephones. The main drivers were Oil and Gas. It was also an era that gave rise to mass education but excellence was for a few. The third Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of nuclear energy, electronics, transistors, microprocessors, biotechnology, automation and nuclear energy. In all the above revolutions, Africa has majorly been a spectator. The  forth Industrial revolution has features like digitization, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Blockchain, 3D Printing, Autonomous vehicles, cloud computing to mention but a few. Africa has a unique chance to skip all other revolutions and get returns from wise investment into this revolution. What does Africa's future look like? Are we looking at the future with the eyes of the present? Is our education system preparing participants for this future world?  

In her Presentation entitled, " The current State of education on the continent," Ms. Alero Ayida - Otobo, the Founder of Incubator Africa and Co-Founder: Teach for Nigeria: Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT) and Imaginal Education Initiative (IEI) made a for the identity of Africa. "Who is Africa? What is our Identity? Is Africa what we say it is or what other people say we are?" She asked. She submitted that if we do not know who we are, there will be abuse. She noted that Africa is a blessed continent with various natural and mineral resources with a predominantly youthful population. This population is an asset greater than any natural or human resources considering that by 2100, 80% of the world's population will be living either in Africa or Asia as Africa's population will increase drastically. She submitted projections which show that 21 countries in the world have a high fertility rate with the average woman giving birth to 5 or more children. Of these, 19 are in Africa and the other 2 are in Asia. This, if not handled well, is likely to propound the dependence burden; increase inequality, inequity and injustice. Does our education system describe who we are, our identity, resources, and achievements? It is riddled with poor outcomes. We need an education system that encourages the rise in creatives like arts and entertainment; fashion and music given that current trends are not limited to formal education. The future belongs to the young people and they should actively participate in the conversation of creating the future they deserve. They are talented, innovative and smart. And yes, they will soon make up 90% of Africa's population

On his part, Mr. Alex Kakooza, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports in his Presentation entitled, "Current state of Education in Uganda," detailed the main roles of government at the different levels of education in the country, mainly Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary (Lower and Upper), Tertiary and University level. He noted that the three pronged approach government took covered Access; Quality as well as Efficiency and Effectiveness

The increase in Access to education especially due to Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education enrollment. However, increased access has led to challenges on strain to quality. Some innovations piloted in select schools include "Early Grade Reading" which has increased interest of pupils in reading and comprehension skills as well as decreased the drop out rate. In regard to Tertiary Education, launch of SKILLING UGANDA  by H.E The President in 2012 was a great step in the right direction. There are ongoing efforts to market and interests young people to consider this as an alternative. In regard to Higher Education, Uganda has over 50 universities, 9 of which are Public. This shows that the issue of Access has greatly been addressed. The challenge left is of Quality. It is time to develop theories relevant to our situation emphasizing the training of learners in Higher education for the skills of tomorrow.  Effort must be put to encourage youth to enroll in Tertiary Vocational Educational Training Institutions (TVET). There are ongoing discussions with the Directorate of Industrial Training to accredit learners from these institutions and award them certificates on successful completion of their training. The quest for Modern Education needs not imply illiteracy is ignored. Reading, writing and numeracy open doors to other opportunities

Day 2 of the Conference featured various presentations and concluded with the Host - Minster of Education and Sports - First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni  officially closing the conference.

Dr. James Magara in his presentation, "The future of Education in light of changes in work and industry," premised his presentation on the Biblical wisdom book of Proverbs 27:12: "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precaution. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Looking into the future, he challenged the audience to imagine the implications of training people today to work in industries of the future at a time when there in increased inventions in robotics, artificial Intelligence and other technologies. Would there be work opportunities for such trainees? He quoted the Global Youth Survey 2018 which showed that 37% of working population is employed in the Private sector; 30% in the Non-profit sector; 19% in the Public sector; 9%  are elf employed; 3% i family business and 2% in others. He noted that education for the future requires work readiness with skills such as Literacy, Numeracy, Digital literacy, Self Presentation; and other Soft skills. He provided findings of a 10 year longitudinal study by Dr. George Land measuring the Creativity of subjects. The test results showed that 3-5 year old children had creativity of 98%; which dropped to 30% by the time they made 10 years; further declining to 12% by the time they are 15 years old and a dismal 2% by the time they are adults. The conclusions were that the school system obtaining is greatly damaging creativity yet the future is Creativity driven. He noted that new approaches that will soon become common include Personalized learning, Project based Learning, Student ownership of Learning; Data Interpretation, Practical field experiences, online learning to mention but a few.

Professor Vincent Anigbogou - the Director General of Institute for National Transformation in Lagos Nigeria made a presentation on a paper entitled, "Education for social change." He anchored his presentation on an in depth historic journey that Tertiary education has evolved from the First Generation Medieval era where focus of education was for desiring the Truth. The Teachers/Professors commented and discussed on a big range of topics but produced nothing. The Second Generation Hornsbold era where education was to discuss nature and culture. The Third generation now focuses on Education for social impact. Prof. Vincent encouraged participants to know who they are and when they undertake to engage, they should aim at 100% return on investment. He called on participants to engage fully through diligence and hard work pushing themselves to the limits.

Ms. Rose Izizinga, a Member of the Education Service Commission anchored her presentation on the topic: "Education Curricula in light of Global Changes." She analysed what pertains in Africa's education systems which is predominantly Teacher-centered using making an analysis of the period 1890 where the blackboard was a central part of the classroom to 2010 while classrooms in Modern economies have I-Pads. However, the blackboard is still a reality for the African economy. Ms. Rose views teachers as, "God's helpers in the art of creation." She noted that the cores skills of the 21st Century are Creating; Adapting; Communication; Information Literacy, to mention but an few and made a case that 21st Century Teaching and Learning should be based on Creativity and Imagination; Critical thinking and Problem solving. She noted that the 21st century learner should be self directed; a life long learner; visionary learner and creative. She noted that the 21st Century Curriculum should focus more on Inquiry-based learning while the 21st Century teacher should be an adapter, leader, good communicator and learner.

Mrs. Loy Muhwezi her presentation discussed the topic: "Skills education for African futures," where she passionately advocated for Promotion of skills for the African context in view of the challenges particularly the promotion of skills that address challenges obtain in Uganda or Africa at the moment. She also considered the African Union Agenda 2063' Aspiration 1 which she used to make the case that education system employed should be able to deliver efficient Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. Combined, these are all important in preparing the African population appropriately for work. 

Dr. Jessica Aguti - The Director of the Institute for Open, Distance and e-Learning Makerere University made a presentation on the topic, "Trends in Distance Learning." She anchored her presentation on the facts that the growing global population is continuously piling pressure and demand for education with more challenges to its quality. Key issues and challenges for current education are Relevance; Quality; Access; Research and financing, among others. She noted that while school enrollments have gone up, transition rates are very low, Quality remains a challenge, and disparities remain. Some statistics she made mention of include: 57% of those who sat PLE ultimately sat Ordinary Secondary Level Education. 17% of those who sat PLE sat  Advanced Secondary level education of which only 11% eventually joined University and other tertiary institutions. What happened to all those that dropped out? This is a high wastage in the education system. Distance learning can therefore provide answers to Access; Equity and Cost Effectiveness.

Dr. Jessica showed through the trends in Distance learning which commenced with First Generation which was face to face which cherished high interaction between Teacher and student; to the Second Generation which was Distance learning albeit very costly; to the third generation which was Open learning  which cherishes high Correspondence; to the forth generation which is Electronic learning which is built around high technology. However, the future of Distance learning is 5th Generation called Blended or fusion learning which encompasses all positive aspects of the first four above while reducing on the negatives.Today, there are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by a variety of institutions offering greater opportunities for learners to personalize their learning experiences. These will go a long way in increasing access to and quality of tertiary education and address inequalities and inequities. There is urgent need to increase access to ICTs to facilitate Distance Learning. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Ms. Jackie Ochola, the Country Director of Andela - Uganda made a presentation on the topic: "Information and Communication Technology: Leapfrogging into African futures," where she defined ICT as a diverse set of Technology tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. She said some of the technologies going to drive the next decade include Artificial Intelligence; Internet of Things; Blockchain; Virtual Reality, Quantum Computing among others. She stated that ICTs offer Africa a unique opportunity to leapfrog into the future through for example unlocking productivity of Agriculture; Better resource management; Healthier and productive people and efficiency in governance. To be ICT ready for the future opportunities, we ought to universally digitalize; increased government support and viable systems. She noted that we live in the realm of possibilities  and she called upon us to dare to dream. Jackie emphasized the importance of coding which she said ought to be put along numeracy and literacy as basics skills right from a young age. She noted that coding is about solving problems 

Conference Keynote Speaker Dr. Tom Rudmik of Master's Academy, Calgary - Canada

Dr. Tom Rudmik returned on day 2 to make a presentation on the Topic: "A case for Transformation: The Journey into the future of education." He shared about the six habits of a Master learner which are: A Person of Character; Principle centered; Critical and creative thinker; Collaborative worker; Independent worker and Quality producer. He noted that while Integration and Improvement are important in managing the future; Invention and Innovation are critical for creating the future.

He noted that imaginal thinking involves: Seeing (Vision for the future); Learning (Developing new thinking); Creating (New system structure) all of which result into transformation. He cited the CIO Trend report 2017 which showed the major trends which included Digital platforms; and others. He noted that Future of education will shift to more personalization of the learning experience and compressing of the learning time. He noted the future learning will take a digital revolution; with Linear growth quickly replaced with exponential growth for sustained exponential impact at a fraction of the cost of investing in an obsolete system. Strategic partnerships is a very critical aspect for increasing impact of imaginal education. 

Hon. Dr. Benson Obua, who chaired the final session of the Conference likened the effect of the Rudmik brothers on the education system of Uganda to the effect the Wright Brothers had on aviation. The noted that this conference was CASTLE FLIGHT - 001 and its maiden flight had landed very smoothly. Quoting Margaret Mead, he said, "Never doubt that a few thoughtful and committed people can change the world. That is what matters." 

The Chairman of the Conference and Education Expert and Consultant - Professor Joseph Oonyu said, "We do not inherit this world from our ancestors but we borrow it from our children."

The Conference Host, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports - Hon. Janet Museveni in her closing remarks said having resources is not enough and Government is not ignorant of the challenges and inadequacies of the Education System. She said the seeds of transformation have been planted through the conference and subsequent activities of the think tank and they will germinate and bear fruit. She said her ministry looks forward to the outcome of the deliberations of the conference to guide on the way forward for education in the country.

Conclusively, Malcolm X said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
I believe the CASTLE Conference by and large has successfully started the discussion on the Future of Education in Africa which will go a long way in ensuring future-ready learners being obtained from education system. It was my honor to follow the conference proceedings while supporting the Time Keeping function of the event which on its own was an experience to remember. I thank you for your audience

Some of the participants at the Inaugural CASTLE Conference on Education and African Futures