Africa Teachers Webinar # 4 Highlights: CESA 26-35 and Continental Strategy on MHPSS
On June 5, 2025, UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO IICBA), with GPE KIX Africa 19 Hub, organized a webinar on the highlights of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026-2035 (CESA 26-35) and the Continental Strategy on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Teachers in Africa (CS-MHPSS), as part of the Africa Teachers Webinar Series.
During the session, speakers presented an overview of the two key documents of the African Union regarding education, showcasing ten differences/innovations of CESA 26-35 and with a focus on teachers’ mental health and well-being with case studies from Ghana and Zambia. This session delves deep into strengthening support for teachers and enhancing education systems in Africa.
Speaker Sophia Ashipala, Head for Education, African Union Commission, echoed the importance of “placing people, particularly [the] teachers at the heart of Africa’s education transformation”, emphasizing that teachers are the cornerstone of education systems and that supporting teachers’ mental health and well-being is vital to the success of education in Africa.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system ... they are nation builders, they are mentors, they are innovators, caregivers and most often unsung heroes. In too many parts of the [African] continent, teachers are carrying out these roles under immense pressure, burdened by overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, insufficient training, low wages and unaddressed mental health needs. The [CESA 26-35 and CS-MPHHS] look to confront these realities”
- Sophia Ashipala, Head for Education, African Union Commission
The webinar concluded with a call to action for African Teachers to:
- Champion and coordinate the dissemination and uptake of the strategy across Member States
- Advocate for teacher wellbeing as part of decent work agendas
- Support those who invest in the future of Africa’s children
- Encourage adaptation, funding, policy integration and regional collaboration.
Complete list of Speakers:
- Ms. Sophia Ashipala, Head for Education, African Union Commission
- Dr. Quemtin Wodon, Director, UNESCO IICBA
- Dr. Ebby Mubanga, Acting President, AFTRA & Registrar, Teaching Council of Zambia
- Mr. Lucas Halimani, Project Officer, UNESCO IICBA
- Dr. Lawrence Sarpong, Deputy Registrar, National Teaching Council of Ghana
Find the full CESA 26-35 publication here online.
Missed the webinar ? Recording and presentation slides are below:
