Last Friday, ONE members from the Twin Cities gathered at the University of Minnesota for a special conference on Literacy and Education in a 21st century Africa.

The event was hosted by a local organization called Books for Africa, the world’s largest shipper of donated books to the African continent. In the past 11 years they have shipped over 20 million high-quality text and library books to 45 African countries. ONE shares a belief in the simple mission of Books for Africa: To empower the next generation of leaders by leveling the playing field with literacy and education. ONE hosted a table at the event and spoke to many attendees about what ONE is doing locally and nationally to improve the lives of those living in extreme poverty by advocating for greater access to basic education.

During the conference the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, gave the keynote address remarking that his last trip to the University of Minnesota was nearly 15 years ago when Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was conferred an honorary degree. Among the many facts he cited, he also noted population projections for sub-Saharan Africa are expected to double in the next 25 years.

He concluded his keynote address by delineating five areas key to the progress of African countries: closing the digital divide, reversing the ‘brain drain’ (African Diaspora), investing more in girls’ education, expanding teacher training, and improving academic research and higher education.

The breakout session, “Economic Development and Literacy”, was comprised of four expert panelists. They presented facts such as country literacy rates, educational variables, and learning impediments. The common threads throughout the day included minimizing the gender gap, (“women hold up half the sky”), expanding access (geographical and financial), and improving systems and teacher training (accountability).

In the past, former President Clinton has said that US media and citizens need to stop viewing Africa as a monolith, given that there are 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Each country has its own unique challenges and strengths. I heard similar sentiments echoed at the conference on Friday, and believe it is important to continue promoting this increased understanding.

As a ONE member and a participant in the conference, I am truly hopeful. While the way forward is not always apparent, it is clear that the development community and Africans themselves are committed to an improved future.

-Kris Jernigan & Libby Crimmings