- African education experts are urging governments to rethink school funding so budgets translate into adequate learning materials and improved outcomes for learners
- Kenya’s Basic Education PS John Lekakeny Ololtuaa said governments must focus on spending education funds effectively
- The GPE-KIX Africa Research Symposium is examining funding gaps, practical skills training and ways to ensure vulnerable learners receive the support they need
Education experts across Africa are calling on governments to rethink how they fund schools, warning that education budgets must translate into better learning outcomes, adequate teaching materials and practical skills for learners.
Source: UGC
The call was made during the 5th GPE-KIX Africa Research Symposium, which opened in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 21, bringing together policymakers, researchers and development partners to explore ways of making education financing more effective.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Basic Education, John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, said governments should focus not only on increasing education budgets but also on ensuring the money is used effectively and sustainably.
“Governments must focus not only on spending more, but also on spending better and mobilising resources sustainably,” he said.
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Ololtuaa added that education policies and budget allocations should produce tangible improvements in classrooms, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised learners who often face greater barriers to accessing quality education.
Why are education experts calling for better school funding?
One of the key concerns raised at the symposium was the gap between governments’ education funding commitments and the resources that eventually reach schools.
Participants noted that delayed disbursements and limited funding can leave schools struggling to provide adequate teachers, textbooks, learning materials and other essential services.
Experts also stressed the importance of using reliable education data to identify schools and communities that need additional support. They argued that evidence-based funding decisions could help governments direct resources towards learners facing the greatest disadvantages.
The discussions also examined how funding could improve technical and higher education, particularly by helping young people acquire practical skills that match labour market demands.
Presentations from Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Tanzania explored funding models, hands-on learning opportunities and partnerships between training institutions and industry to improve the transition from education to employment.
Participants further highlighted the need to protect learning opportunities for children affected by conflict, displacement and financial hardship, noting that such circumstances can disrupt access to education and widen existing inequalities.
What is the GPE-KIX Africa Research Symposium?
The three-day symposium is taking place at Nairobi’s Argyle Grand Hotel and runs until Friday, October 23.
It brings together education stakeholders to exchange research findings and develop practical recommendations for improving education financing across Africa.
The discussions centre on ensuring that available resources deliver measurable benefits, from better-equipped classrooms and improved access to teachers to more inclusive learning opportunities and relevant skills training.
Source: TUKO.co.ke