Fatshimetrie leads the way in open source education in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa
Fatshimetrie, a visionary initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, recently launched a strategic dialogue crucial for the future of education. This initiative aims to promote open educational resources (OER) for primary and secondary schools in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa, thus offering unprecedented opportunities to improve access and quality of education.
In the current context of cultural diversity and varied educational needs, it is imperative to produce adapted educational resources that reflect the richness of our societies. Isaias Bareto da Rosa, UNESCO Representative in the DRC, highlights the importance of OER to expand access to education, reduce costs, increase the quality of education and promote inclusion and innovation in the educational field. OERs are therefore essential tools to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
This policy dialogue builds on the recommendations of UNESCO Member States in favour of Open Educational Resources, as well as on resources produced by UNESCO to support the production and dissemination of these resources. It highlights the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and artificial intelligence in education, drawing on the Qingdao Declarations, the Beijing Consensus on AI and Education, as well as various publications and policy tools developed by UNESCO.
During these five days of intensive work, experts will focus on the development of national strategies for Open Educational Resources, aimed at improving access to quality educational resources for students and schools. Funded by the French Development Agency and implemented by UNESCO, this project is a real opportunity to improve the quality of learning and promote the development of diversified educational resources that are accessible to all.
In a constantly changing world, where access to education remains a major challenge, Fatshimetrie positions itself as a pioneer in the field of open source education in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. By promoting collaboration, innovation and inclusion, this initiative actively contributes to the transformation of the education system and the achievement of development goals on a global scale. Through these concrete actions, Fatshimetrie is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable educational future for all.