By Michaela Bonnie
Information Attaché
Sierra Leone Embassy in South Korea
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Seoul took part in the 7th Model African Union (AU) Assembly, held on November 15 and 16, 2024, at the National Assembly Members Building in South Korea. This year’s assembly, organized by the AU-Korean African Foundation, in collaboration with the National Assembly Forum for Africa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, aimed to foster understanding of African issues among Korea’s youth. The event brought together African and Korean representatives to engage in insightful discussions on the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century.”
The gathering attracted key figures, including education sector leaders, ambassadors, and officials from both the African Union and the Korean government. The African Union’s Commissioner for Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology, Professor Mohamed Belhocine, highlighted the AU’s commitment to promoting sustainable development across the continent. His remarks underscored the importance of quality education as a cornerstone of Africa’s long-term growth and integration. The AU’s agenda, focusing on the empowerment of Africa’s youth through inclusive, lifelong learning opportunities, is central to transforming Africa’s educational landscape.
In his address, His Excellency Edgar Gasper Martins, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Korea, emphasized the significance of the Model AU Assembly in strengthening Korea-Africa relations. He expressed that the assembly was an opportunity to enhance understanding about Africa among Korean youth, fostering collaborative relationships through dialogue on economic, social, and educational issues.
Among the participants was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to South Korea, Paul Soba Massaquoi, who played an active role in the discussions. Sierra Leonean students studying in Korea were also present, alongside representatives from 13 other African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The assembly featured two sessions. The first session focused on the current state of education in Africa and its alignment with the demands of the 21st century. In the second session, the debate centered on key educational initiatives such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program and Sierra Leone’s Free Quality Education initiative. Additionally, the delegates discussed the challenges posed by out-of-school children, advocating for targeted solutions, including teacher training programs and innovative teaching methods.
The Sierra Leonean delegate, Park, stressed the importance of enhancing educational access and quality. He called for international collaboration to share educational resources and expertise, proposing the establishment of a global teacher exchange program.
The 7th Model African Union Assembly in Seoul proved to be a valuable platform for African and Korean youths to engage in meaningful dialogue on educational reform and the future of Africa in a globalized world.
