SANKOFA # 26

Abstract

To introduce the various themes covered in this magazine, along with the third issue in the series of field activities carried out by the African Union, I would like to quote two eminent leaders of Africa. Speaking of the importance of education, Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As regards to the role of culture, Ahmed Sekou Touré stated: “We should go down to the grassroots of our culture, not to remain there, not to be isolated there, but to draw strength and substance from there”. Our Founding Fathers relied on these ideologies to develop and enhance education and promote culture for the advancement of Africa. Today, Agenda 2063 – the strategic framework for Africa’s development, prioritizes these themes under Aspirations 1, 5 and 6, based on the efforts initially carried out decades ago. However, aspirations and plans are not the end result of these visions; they have to yield concrete outcomes through activities on the field. Thus, this 26th issue of SANKOFA aims at highlighting these field actions, introducing their actors and especially their targets. Indeed, the heart of any effort for development on the continent is the human being – the African citizen.