Addis Ababa: The Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) asserts that decolonizing and Africanizing educational curricula is crucial for promoting Pan-Africanism and fostering African solutions to African problems.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the President of the Association, Mafu S. Rakometsi, emphasized in an interview that achieving Pan-Africanism and addressing African challenges requires a fundamental shift in educational frameworks. “Unlike Ethiopia, much of Africa was colonized, and we must break free from the lingering influence of our former colonial masters to stand independently,” he stated.
Rakometsi also noted that while many African countries have moved away from Western-dominated curricula, some still lag behind. “We must support these nations, enabling them to stand on their own without relying on external influences,” he said.
According to the president, African solutions are the most relevant for Africa. “We cannot thrive with solutions from outside our continent,” Rakometsi underscored, stressing the importance of internal solutions while acknowledging the value of learning from global experiences.
He criticized the historical erasure of African contributions, citing the example of Victoria Falls. “Our history is often depicted as if Africa was nonexistent before colonization. The naming of Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria disregards the indigenous people who lived there,” he said. While acknowledging the importance of global history, he emphasized that African history must be central.
The AEAA is conducting research across member countries to develop common curriculum standards that facilitate student mobility within Africa. “We aim for equity and mutual recognition, ensuring that qualifications are recognized across member states,” Rakometsi stated.
He emphasized the association’s commitment to supporting member countries, emphasizing that no nation can thrive in isolation. “We share experiences, such as item banking and assessment methods, to ensure no country is left behind,” he said.
AEAA Vice President Eshetu Kebede emphasized the association’s focus on integration and collaboration to improve the continent’s education sector. “Despite contextual differences, we maximize common African values and historical experiences to drive development,” he said.
Ethiopia is set to assume the AEAA presidency at the upcoming annual conference. Eshetu stated that Ethiopia will play a pivotal role in expanding membership and transforming the association. “By maximizing our shared values, we can strengthen collaboration in education,” he said.
Currently, the AEAA, with 33 member countries, is working to decolonize education, establish a unified educational assessment framework rooted in African values, and promote continent-wide assessment standards.