Angola - 3rd African Conference of Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS)

29 October 2019

(ANS - Luanda) - It is a truth that every day the need for university education is growing all over the world, and especially in Africa. According to the report "Education for All Global Monitoring Report", "the global literacy rate reached 86% in 2017, although it does not exceed 65% in sub-Saharan Africa. Advances in youth literacy have been positive, causing an absolute drop in the total number of illiterate young people aged 15 to 24." In this context, the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS) have not lost hope and continue their formation. This is why the 3rd IUS African Conference was held in Luanda from 21 to 23 October.

The representatives of the Salesian University Institutes of Lomé (Togo), Maputo (Mozambique) and Luanda (Angola) took part in the event, serving an average of 1,500 students each, to whom not only a professional future is offered, but also quality of life.

The event opened with the welcome of Fr Víctor Sequeira, Provincial of Angola, followed by the words of Sister Amelia Gonçalves, Director of the Luanda Institute. Fr Marcelo Farfán, Coordinator General of the IUS, offered his message that enriched the meeting with a general overview; Dr Alberto Kapitango held the inaugural conference on the theme: "The challenges of Higher Education in Africa."

Immediately after this presentation, the representatives of the various Institutes illustrated the current state of each university, giving an account of progress, difficulties and challenges. The meeting, in particular, focused on the re-elaboration of the common program for African institutions, which highlighted several priorities. The reflection on the option for the most disadvantaged, the need for formative itineraries for personnel, the elaboration of the University Pastoral Project and the promotion of academic micro-networks were the concrete requests that emerged.

During the three-day meeting, the Coordinator of the IUS in Africa was also elected, namely Fr Dieudonné Otekpo, Director of the Don Bosco Institute of Lomé; finally, it was proposed to hold the next meeting in Maputo from 24 to 26 October 2022.

"It is essential to invest in higher education, increase research spending, develop strong academic ties with the African diaspora and improve the planning and implementation of higher education programs at institutional, national and continental level," were the conclusions affirmed by the Summit on Higher Education held previously in Dakar, Senegal, in February 2019.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".