Education: Africa's path to a sustainable future

“The SDGs work in the spirit of partnership and pragmatism to make the right choices now to improve life, in a sustainable way, for future generations. They provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large.” - UNDP http://www.za.undp.org/content/south_africa/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html

South Africa’s path to a sustainable future lies with the National Development Plan 2030. The NDP is a plan for the whole country and it will take multiple industries to join forces and work together, yet the fundamental roots to achieve the SDGs and NDPs lies with education. Education is critical to escaping chronic poverty and it stimulates economic growth. Education can encourage people to reduce their impact on the environment. Education is a key mechanism promoting tolerance to diversity. Education plays a major role in containing disease; if all mothers had secondary education there would be 49% fewer child deaths.

Even the best schools and teachers cannot accomplish their goals if children remain absent or too hungry to learn. Ultimately, education strengthens people’s confidence and belief in their ability to achieve goals and make necessary changes to their life. EduWeek’s Conference Producer, Pamela Largue, comments: “Africa’s role in achieving the Global goals and bridging the gaps in resource allocation is vital. Equally important is how South Africa’s National Development Plan, in line with these sustainability goals, can provide a path to democratised education, long-term transformation, and ultimately education dedicated to the advancement of all people.”

Having chosen the theme, Education: Africa’s path to a sustainable future, and with over a decade of successful EduWeek events under their belt, Spintelligent are proud to announce that they will continue to advance educational knowledge in Africa and have committed to promote education’s impact to achieving the UN’s 17 SDGs and South Africa’s NDP when EduWeek returns to the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg on 12 and 13 July. www.eduweek.co.za.

Originally pegged for 4 and 5 July 2017, EduWeek has been moved to accommodate the huge growth that it has experienced and will leave Hall 5 at Gallagher to take up larger space in Gallagher’s prestigious Halls 2 and 3. This move of date and venue for EduWeek provides the best possible environment to launch new big features to the event and space for exhibitors and visitors to network and interface, which is what EduWeek is all about.

Event Director Tanya Jackman says, “We are pioneering a new breed of education events which addresses the broader role of education as well as the practical everyday components. In turn this will provide more opportunities for businesses in education to be exposed to new verticals of growth, including health and energy, whilst creating greater exposure in core sectors such as science and technology.”

EduWeek, a firm supporter of the United Nation’s 17 SDGs and South Africa’s NDP, is a two-day exhibition and conference which will host over 180 local and international product and service providers, seven dedicated EduTheatre/conference tracks and 5,500 visitors.

Those who will attend EduWeek include:

• Global organisations and NGOs
  
• African ministries
  
• South African provincial government
  
• CEOs, CIOs, COOs and directors
  
• Institution leaders
  
• Educators, lecturers and heads of departments
  
• Education specialists

Event Director Tanya Jackman says, “As an attendee you will be exposed to a full itinerary of networking, knowledge sharing, practical seminars and hands-on interaction with breakthrough technologies and products in a truly innovative environment for an unbeatable experience.”

Multiple segments of the sector will converge at EduWeek to discuss the advancement of education including vocational and higher education, early childhood development, basic education, inclusive education, sports and recreation, technology, health and finance.

The exhibition has grown to host over ten major product areas including Fitness & Nutrition which is a new addition for the upcoming event:

• Technology
  
• Maths & Science Equipment
  
• Publishing
  
• Educational Toys
  
• School Supplies
  
• Stationery
  
• Inclusive Education
  
• Services for Educational Institutions (financial services, training services, etc.)
  
• Safety & Security

Another highlight of the EduWeek calendar is the EduWeek Awards which take place on the evening of 12 July. The EduWeek Awards recognise excellence across the African education ecosystem. From the inception of the most innovative and life-changing products and/or services, to our local heroes who go above and beyond to assist their communities and the lives of our precious learners. To enter the EduWeek Awards or nominate a worthy recipient, visit: http://www.educationweek.co.za/awards/.

With all of these elements on offer, EduWeek remains the largest and most recognised African education event with purchasing opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa, where public and private stakeholders can gather to discuss future solutions and critical issues surrounding the education sector in Africa as well as evaluate, see and buy new solutions for their education institutions' needs.

Should you wish to sign up to EduWeek’s monthly newsletter, the Educ8tor, please go to www.eduweek.co.za and register your details.

The EduWeek African Trade Exchange takes place on 11 July in Sandton and EduWeek takes place on 12 and 13 July from 09h30 to 18h00 and 09h30 to 17h30 respectively in Halls 2 and 3 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. For more information, visit: www.educationweek.co.za.