Margaret Clark, SI Middlesbrough
Jalila Moufqia, President of SI Africa gave a presentation on the outstanding work of the SI African Federation (SIAF) and spoke with passion and pride on the programme action, giving us insight into how access to books can take you to space.
There is a massive focus on girls literacy.
SIAF started in 2020, has 5 Regions, 54 Countries, 113 Clubs, 6 networks and 2 thousand members. Their focus is on education working towards SDGs 4 education and SDG 5 gender equality along with other SDGs, SDG 1 poverty, 6 clean water and sanitation! 8 decent work and economic growth, 10 reduced inequalities and 13 climate action.
Scholarships and Excellence Awards provide access to education by partnering with other clubs and Federations. £125 pays for 10 students’ education for a year.
Excellence Awards in science and leadership, and Scholarships in stem subjects are incentives.
Jalila gave examples of African Club projects which included those from Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Madagascar, Morocco, and South Africa. She said, ‘Stem programs learning in Astro physics isn’t easy and included a field trip high up in the mountains’.
In Spring 2024, University of Marrakesh, built an international observatory from discussion and presentations. In 2024, Dr Sian Proctor is the first black Africa Woman to work in space X projects. Note, ‘The Art of Inspiration’ and ‘Space 2 Inspire’. A small observatory has also been built within a boarding school.
Vocational training equips pupils with skills for the job market and for starting their own enterprises such as hairdressing, sewing, making sanitary napkins and the education of women who are displaced by war gives them skills to gain access to employment.
AI, education and schools awareness, girls safe spaces and reading skills are also addressed. This improves access to education, reduces drop out rate, and increases personal quality of life.
Wangari Muta Maathai 1940-2011, Kenya was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for “her contribution to sustainable development democracy and peace” following her commitment to combating deforestation in Kenya. She said: “education, especially for girls, is the best and most powerful path to freedom and empowerment. Education is an Act of Hope.“
To summarise, education is not just about the girls it’s about the families and helping them understand the importance of giving them choices about their futures. How many generations does it take to change the norms of the past. This is the start of the journey. SI Africa are carving the way to a new future and the enormity of the task cannot be lost.
Education empowers and enables women and girls to reach their potential, inspires action and changes lives. Having access to books allows them to reach the stars literally!