Education Key In Poverty, Hunger Eradication-Magoha

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 30- Ministry of Education, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. George Magoha has said that education is a critical component in the eradication of poverty and hunger, improved health, protection of our planet, and building more inclusive, resilient and peaceful societies.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM), Magoha said that as was well elaborated during the conference proceedings, the benefits of education at the individual and economic levels are enormous and permeate all our lives.

“The Conference of Commonwealth of Education Ministers provides a platform for the members of this family to review our progress, build synergies and forge a common way forward towards improving education in our countries. It is therefore my earnest hope that our discussions in the last two days and the direction provided in the declaration emanating from this meeting will accelerate momentum towards the achievement of the Education 2030 commitments,” said Magoha.

Magoha said that as per the theme of the conference “Rethinking Education for Innovation, Growth and Sustainability post-Covid-19”, he was delighted to observe the meeting provided the opportunity to share experiences on various issues and specifically on five thematic areas highlighted in the round table discussions.

“I acknowledge the enriching deliberations and recommendations that have come through the Stakeholder groups helping us refocus on education for sustainability in the post Covid-19 pandemic period. We specifically recognize the great effort made by member countries to mitigate learning losses that occurred as a result of closing down learning institutions and look forward to working together towards achievement of these commitments,” he said.

The CS noted that the outcomes will inform discussions at the upcoming meeting expected to take place in June 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda.

“I urge fellow ministers to support the passionate case and appeal for enhanced support to all levels of education in the Commonwealth during the CHOGM as highlighted in the Ministerial Declaration emanating from the 21CCEM. Our concerted effort will go a long way in promoting “Innovation, Growth and Sustainability post-Covid-19”,” said the CS.

Magoha who is the incoming chairman thanked the outgoing Chair of the Education Ministers Action Group (EMAG) Premila Kumar, the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, FiJi for steering the team since 2018.

“Kenya humbly accepts the honour to Chair the EMAG for the next three years. We commit to work collaboratively with the Commonwealth Secretariat to facilitate sharing of best practices from member countries and tracking the implementation of the 21CCEM declaration. I urge all member states to support us in this endeavor towards a commonwealth family that is united towards ensuring that “no learner is left behind,” said Magoha.