The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the resilience of education systems, economies and job markets, highlighting the gaps of the digital divide, inequality and workforce fragility.

However, we know that basic education lays the foundation for all children to thrive and is a prerequisite to developing essential skills for lifelong learning and work.

On November 2, GPE joined partners from the African Union, ONE campaign, Kenyan Ministry of Education, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Microsoft for the Youth At Heart virtual forum, hosted by the Netherlands.

The discussion focused on how governments and partners can build back better education systems and which skills students will need for employability and entrepreneurship in the changing global economy.

Geoff Adlide, GPE’s Director of Advocacy and Communications, and Chidi Koldsweat, network member of the African Youth Front on Coronavirus, AU office of the Youth Envoy, moderated the discussion.

The discussion started with a video from Maryam and Nivaal Rehman, co-founders of The World With MNR, who discussed how they thought schools and governments can help ensure students have the right skills to succeed.

Mohamed Sidibay, Peace activist and GPE Youth Champion, talked about his journey from a former child soldier to a soon to be lawyer and the importance of developing skills for the future.

Mohamed further shared how early education taught him how to think critically, express his thoughts and problem solve.

As Director General of Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Elyas Abdi, shared how his government is prioritizing skills and preparing students to enter the workforce.

Pascalle Grotenhuis, Director of the Department of Social Development, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also shared how her government is supporting education and skill development around the world.

Lastly, Alexa Joyce, EMEA Education and Skills Director at Microsoft, shared how Microsoft is supporting learning for the most vulnerable children and how technology is playing a crucial role.