Policy Dialogue

ADEA considers policy dialogue as an essential element in the process of assisting African countries engaged in education reforms. The programs and activities conducted by the ADEA secretariat and working groups promote policy dialogue, and the Biennial Meetings are major venues for exchanges. Biennial Meetings The Biennial Meetings are intended to promote frank and open exchanges between African ministers of education, senior representatives from development agencies and education specialists and researchers. These exchanges are essential in guiding ADEA in its future activities, dialogue remaining the best way to promote common understanding and progress. Matters of professional substance dominate the agenda of these meetings that go beyond the more formal concerns, such as approving a work program, a common declaration or charter. Participants at the Biennial Meetings discuss and explore various themes that are major issues for education in Africa. ADEA's Steering Committee seminars Policy dialogue is also promoted through ADEA's Steering Committee seminars. The main objective of these seminars is to provide a venue for high level discussions between ministers of education and member agencies on priority issues for education in Africa. Steering Committee seminars have been organized since 2002. They take place twice a year, except the years of the Biennale. The last four seminars have focused on: new initiatives and trends in development cooperation for education; the financing of education; the future of ADEA working groups in the present African context; and follow-up activities towards the improvement of educational quality. ADEA also facilitates regional and sub-regional cooperation and dialogue. In response to needs expressed by the Bureau of African Ministers, it organizes sub-regional ministerial meetings on topics of common interest in order to foster greater cooperation between countries. The following themes were explored in 2003 and 2004: education and HIV/AIDS; the integration of ICTs in education systems; education in conflict and post-conflict situations; secondary education; and, contractual teachers. ADEA also fosters partnerships with regional institutions and networks with a view to enhancing African capacities and supports the sharing of experiences between countries through its Intra-African Exchange program.