AES Nations unite to develop shared educational programs
In a televised interview on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Dr. Elisabeth Shérif, Niger’s Minister of National Education, Literacy, Vocational Training, and Promotion of National Languages, unveiled a groundbreaking initiative by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are collaborating to create unified educational programs tailored to local realities, aiming to strengthen the confederation’s sovereignty and cultural identity.
“We must adapt our educational curricula to reflect our national realities. As members of the same confederation, it is crucial to align our programs while considering our positioning relative to other educational actors in the subregion,” Dr. Shérif emphasized.
This effort underscores a shared commitment to building an education system rooted in the values, cultures, and specific needs of AES populations.
The minister highlighted the importance of cooperation among the three nations. “Whenever we meet, we discuss ways to enhance collaboration, share experiences, and explore how our education systems can become pillars of deep and lasting sovereignty,” she explained.
By pooling resources and expertise, the AES aims to harmonize curricula, share best practices, and improve access to quality education.
The initiative also seeks to position the AES as a leading educational force in the region, offering alternative models that address local challenges.
By integrating national languages, traditions, and indigenous knowledge into school programs, the confederation aims to strengthen cultural identity and resilience in the face of socio-economic and security challenges.
This educational collaboration is part of a broader vision for the integrated development of the AES.
By working together, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are demonstrating their commitment to collective sovereignty, with education as a cornerstone for a prosperous and self-reliant future.
The initiative has been widely praised as a decisive step toward regional integration and human capacity building in the Sahel.
Related article: AES: Sahel Alliance adopts groundbreaking common cultural policy
