- “We are on the brink of creating a lost generation, and we must find ways to ensure their futures are not bleak.”
- Mudavadi further raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education.
Image: OPCS
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has asked education professionals to suggest solutions to issues facing society among them conflict, climate change and the impact of technology.
Speaking at the 2024 International Confederation of Principals World Convention in Mombasa, Mudavadi urged education leaders to develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges
He highlighted the alarming situation in the Sahel region and other parts of Africa, where approximately 100 million students are currently out of school due to ongoing conflicts.
Mudavadi added that educational leaders should be at the forefront of navigating the complexities of providing quality education in such challenging environments.
“What will happen to the lives of these young people, given that the effects of conflict can last for up to 40 years?” he posed.
“We are on the brink of creating a lost generation, and we must find ways to ensure their futures are not bleak.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also addressed the severe impacts of climate change.
He cited recent events in Kenya, where the worst drought in 40 years destroyed over 4,000 classrooms, alongside critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads that provide access to schools.
“We must recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue, it directly affects our educational systems and the opportunities available to our children,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for the youth.
He noted that Africa is home to 1.4 billion people, with 70 per cent being young.
“However, only 30 per cent of intra-business is conducted within the continent, while 70 per cent occurs outside,” he lamented.
PCS challenged education professionals to think critically about how to improve local economies and ensure that young people are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive.
“How fast can we integrate language and communication skills into our curricula so that we can engage more effectively with each other?” he asked.
Mudavadi further raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education.
He questioned whether AI serves as a tool for positive change or whether it risks creating scenarios that could be detrimental to society.
“How are we harnessing AI? Are we using it to enrich education, or are we allowing it to create negative consequences?” Mudavadi posed.
Mudavadi also warned about the dangers of social media, which he said could be weaponised to incite hate and violence.