Africa Voices Dialogue: A Catalyst for Educational Transformation in Africa
In 2020, a groundbreaking initiative known as Africa Voices Dialogue (AVD) was born, setting a new standard for education across the African continent. Founded by Dr. Abdelaziz Zohri of Morocco, Dr. Robyn Whittaker of South Africa, and Dr. Andrew Wambua of Kenya, AVD has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation for educators, learners, and communities throughout Africa.
The origins of AVD can be traced back to the Africa Spotlight Session at the ICSEI “Global North / Global South” Conference held in Marrakesh, Morocco, in January 2020. This pivotal moment sparked a movement to amplify African voices in education, creating a platform where their experiences, challenges, and innovations could be shared and
celebrate.
A Mission Rooted in Inclusivity and Connection
AVD’s mission is clear: to foster spaces of connection and belonging, where the lived experiences of African educators and learners are validated, shared, and amplified. Through regular dialogues, workshops, and research hubs, AVD aims to build a robust peer learning network that influences policy, planning, and practice in education with innovative and contextually relevant approaches.
Since its inception, AVD has organized 28 dialogue series, addressing a wide range of educational themes. From teacher wellbeing in Kenya and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in Uganda to creative play-based learning and education in conflict zones in Cameroon, these dialogues have been pivotal in shaping the educational landscape.
One standout initiative, “Ubuntu Leadership – Africa’s Gift to the SDGs,” highlights how traditional African leadership principles can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Another, “Disability and Inclusion,” focuses on creating inclusive educational environments, showcasing AVD’s commitment to diversity and accessibility.
Global Recognition and Future Aspirations
AVD’s impact has not gone unnoticed. At the ICSEI 2024 conference in Dublin, the initiative captured the attention of Emerald Publishing, leading to a collaboration on a book proposal about African learning networks and ecosystems. This partnership underscores AVD’s influence and its potential to inspire global educational practices.
Looking ahead, AVD is gearing up for the Education for Africa Dialogic Summit (EADiS) 2024, an international summit aimed at empowering Africa’s youth and promoting sustainable development. Hosted by the University of Nairobi in collaboration with ESDA, Africa Voices Dialogue, and Hassan Premier University, this summit will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and youth advocates to share best practices and craft actionable plans for educational improvement across the continent.
Core Values: Inclusivity, Collaboration, Excellence
At the heart of AVD are values that emphasize inclusivity, respect, and collaboration. These principles ensure that every participant feels valued and included, fostering a sense of belonging and overall well-being. AVD’s commitment to shared humanity, freedom of thought and expression, co-creation, and excellence guides its mission to create a supportive educational ecosystem where every voice is heard and every individual is seen, heard, and loved.
