Frequently asked questions
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1. What is ADEA?
As the voice of education in Africa and a key network of Education Ministries, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) plays a significant role in the education space as a convenor, knowledge creator, and forum for policy dialogue. Since its establishment in 1988, ADEA has evolved into a pan-African institution built on a genuine partnership between African Ministries of Education and Training and key education stakeholders. You can read more about ADEA here.
2. What is the relationship between ADEA and AfDB?
ADEA is based in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) and hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
3. Who are ADEA members and target audience?
ADEA is a network of policymakers, educators, and researchers. It is also a catalyst for educational reform in African countries based on its capacity to foster policy dialogue and pool ideas, experiences, lessons , and knowledge.
4. How is ADEA governed?
At the apex is the Steering Committee, composed of African ministers of education, and representatives of multilateral and bilateral development organizations that support education in Africa. These also include the private sector, civil society organizations and the youth. The Steering Committee is supported by an Executive Committee mandated to facilitate decisions on operational matters while the Steering Committee focuses on policy and strategic issues.
The Ministers of Education on the ADEA Steering Committee constitute the ADEA Bureau of Ministers. It is also the Bureau if the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science, Technology and Innovation. The Ministers represent the five regions of Africa (Western Africa, Eastern Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and Northern Africa).
5. What is the role of the ADEA Secretariat?
The ADEA Secretariat coordinates overall programs and activities, including that of the Inter-Country Quality Nodes (ICQNs). It promotes information exchange and communication, organizes high-level policy learning events such as the Annual High-Level Policy Dialogue Forums, the Triennales, and the board meetings. The Secretariat also disseminates the results of ADEA’s work.
6. How does ADEA foster dialogue?
Policy dialogue is conducted through Steering Committee seminars, high-level policy dialogue forums, Triennales, ICQN technical and Ministerial meetings, and other major events.
ADEA’s Steering Committee seminars provide a venue for high-level discussions between Ministers of Education and members on priority issues impacting Africa’s education.
The Triennales, high-level policy dialogue forums (HLPDF), and ICQN forums present opportunities for peer learning and sharing of knowledge and experiences on major issues concerning education and development in Africa, which are important in creating engagement and trust among the different partners.
7. Why policy dialogue?
ADEA considers policy dialogue an essential element in the process of assisting African countries to plan and implement their education reforms.
8. What are the ICQNs?
The Inter-Country Quality Nodes (ICQNs) serve as catalysts in the process of accumulation of information on innovative educational experiences in Africa and for the implementation of the lessons that each country or group of countries draws from those experiences to improve their programs. Led by Ministries of Education, these nodes bring together representatives of education ministries from different countries to address educational issues that are already included in current programs and impact national priorities. As communities of practice for peer learning and knowledge exchange, ICQNs carry out research and studies, build member country capacity, and undertake advocacy and networking activities. More information about the established ICQNs can be found here.
9. Why participate in ADEA’s activities?
Engagung with ADEA is an excellent way to build professional capacity, learn about education in different parts of Africa and have a voice in transforming policy and practice. However, experience has shown that the greatest benefit of ADEA is the network that it provides in which informal discussions take place. These exchanges foster trust, build government ownership of the educational reform process and have been critical in developing partnerships and improving relations with education actors.
10. How is ADEA funded?
One primary source of funding is the membership fees from African countries, and development partners. Other sources include in-kind contributions from African countries – such as hosting of the ICQNs and Triennales – and activity-based contributions from development partners. The resources are then used to finance policy dialogue, regional and sub-regional cooperation, publication, communication or knowledge management activities as well as the Secretariat’s operating costs.
11. Where can I find the resources produced by ADEA?
ADEA produces many resources on subjects related to the Association’s areas of action. Most publications are available in English and French.
12. I'm looking for documentation on a Member State. Who can help me?
On our Learning and Knowledge Management Hub, you can find general education profiles of African countries.
13. Can ADEA financially support my project in education?
ADEA is not a funding agency but specialize more in providing advisory and support services to countries, working with Ministries of Education. Therefore, we are not able to support an individual’s project.
14. Am I allowed to use ADEA logo?
The use of the name and logo of ADEA is subject to rules laid down by the governing bodies of the Association, and in line with ADEA’s host institution.
15. How can I join ADEA?
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