Call for sponsorship for the Education in Southern Africa Summit 2007

The theme of this summit is "the way forward", as invited speakers, ranging from the MEC of education in the Western Cape to the superintendant generals of the various provinces cover a spectrum of issues in education and explore possible solutions ranging from HIV/AIDS to the possibility of free education for all. Highlights will include Mr. Samuel B. Isaacs, executive officer of the SAQA, speakers from UNICEF, Ms Zelda Holtzman, CEO of the Shuttleworth Foundation, as well as Chris Hart of ABSA who will be discussing education and economic issues.

According to research done by Save the Children, African children experience a routine violation of basic human rights; tens of million don't get adequate healthcare or education - many none at all. Millions more are victims of conflict, violence and abuse; healthcare and education are chronically under-funded in many countries and children's issues are often not prioritised by African governments; the poorest families are forced to pay for - or go without - even the most basic services. The research also further indicates that Sub-Saharan Africa is the region furthest from achieving universal primary education, with the lowest numbers of children starting school, and on top of this, the region is being ravaged by HIV/AIDS - around 2.2 million children are infected with the virus and nearly 12.5 million have been orphaned by AIDS.