African Perspectives Online Discussion
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The African Perspectives discussion series is a component of Africa-
America Institute's (AAI's) AFTECH Initiative through which Africans
discuss and debate policy issues among themselves and inform U.S.
policies toward Africa. The dual objective of African Perspectives
is to inform U.S. policy by heightening policy makers' understanding
of their decisions vis-à-vis Africa while also stimulating civil
society debate and cross sector participation in Africa.

Through the use of African Perspectives discussion sessions in Africa
and the on-line dialogues, AAI elicits a broad cross-section of views
on specific topics related to education and workforce development as
articulated by African opinion shapers, policy makers, and civil so-
ciety leaders. We then summarize and analyze these views, draw out
implications for U.S. policy, and disseminate the conclusions to the
international donor community, U.S. policy makers, the news media and
others working on US policy towards Africa.

In the U.S., African Perspectives Reports will be published on the
AFTECH website and distributed to opinion makers and stake holder
groups, Members of the U.S. Congress, university heads and interested
NGO leaders.

In Africa, the reports will be distributed by AAI's Country Represen-
tatives to African government agencies, business associations and NGO
leaders. The reports will also be distributed through the Association
of African Universities (AAU) and the Association for the Development
of Education in Africa (ADEA) to their membership.

The African Perspectives Online Discussion is currently open on the
subject of Math and Science education in Africa and the issue of
girl's education and attendance in schools.

1. Though they tend to do well at the early stages, a significant
number of girls tend to drop out of math and science courses as they
get older. A number of subtle "messages" often embedded in teaching
practices, teaching materials and social cues tend to create a dis-
suading environment for girls in math and science. How can these fac-
tors be countered in teaching methods, materials, and strategies?

2. Is current-day preparation of Africa's future work force preparing
our young people to be competitive in the global economy? Do employ-
ers, labor and education policy makers, and teacher-training institu-
tions see where their interests coincide? If so, are they collaborat-
ing on solutions? If not, how can these critical stake holders come
to agreement on priorities?

3. To what degree can gender prejudice in the workforce be countered
by education strategies, by real-life models that young people cam
emulate, and by employment policies?

4. The number of teachers is shrinking rapidly while the number of
students is increasing. Can members of the community, who have cer-
tain skills, be given certain basic teaching skills so that they can
serve as lay-teachers? As real-life models for students, could the
use of lay-teachers be a cost effective way to mitigate against the
loss of teachers? If so, how can this be brought about?

5. Employers and private sector hire the products of the education
system, which is shaped by education policy makers, universities,
educators, parents and communities. Who are the stake holders in edu-
cation, how are their concerns articulated, and how are they put into
effect?

6. Through the international media, role models from outside the com-
munity and outside the country have increasing impact. How do these
models impact (positively or negatively) education in general? How do
they impact (positively or negatively) girls' education, self percep-
tion and motivation? How can teachers take advantage of (or protect
against) the international media in their work?

7. Is there an increasingly important role for distance education in
teacher training? Why or why not? What are the factors of concern re-
garding adult distance education? What are the most effective models
for distance education?

We believe you will find the online discussion a valuable way to
share your experiences, observations and opinions and to learn about
those of other Africans. You will be able to participate entirely via
email, but will also be able to access message archives and other
special features online through the discussion web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AAIAfricanPerspectivesMathandScience2003/

If you are interested in participating, please send an e-mail to

mailto:[email protected]om

or send an e-mail to John Kiwanuka Ssemakula at:
mailto:[email protected]

with the subject heading
"AAI African Perspectives Math and Science2003discussion."

You may unsubscribe, if you wish, by sending an e-mail to
mailto:[email protected].com

--
John Kiwanuka Ssemakula
mailto:[email protected]