OAU Decade of Education West African countries define priority areas for education in the sub-region January 24-28, ECOWAS (Economic Community of the West African States) countries met in Banjul, the Gambia to discuss and propose ways of implementing OAU's Decade of Education Action Program. The main objectives of the meeting were: to select priority areas for the sub-region and propose ways of implementing them; to strengthen cooperation initiatives and coordination mechanisms among African countries and regional organizations. Ten priority areas were identified and countries came forward to lead the design and implementation of activities. The priority areas (with lead countries in brackets) are the following: Development of science, technology and professional training (Nigeria) Promotion of the development and dissemination of textbooks and teaching materials (Senegal) Research in Education, evaluation and strengthening of documentation (Ghana). Communication in support of education in West Africa (Benin) Education of girls and women in West Africa (FAWE) Literacy programs and teaching in national languages (Mali) Education for culture of peace (Sierra Leone and Liberia with the assistance of UNESCO) Development of programs for early childhood (Senegal and Liberia) Education to promote regional integration (Guinea and Niger in cooperation with ECOWAS and OAU). Education for life skills (Senegal and Ghana with the support of UNESCO). The Gambia will act as the Secretariat in charge of coordinating Decade of Education activities in West Africa. Previous Article | Contents

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