From June 11 to 12, 2024, Ghana will host a high-level conference to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children in West Africa. The event aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the region, with a special focus on girls' education models. The conference seeks to foster dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning among governments, non-governmental organizations, education researchers, and development partners to drive collective action towards ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all children in West Africa.

The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders from West Africa to share best practices, present research findings, and explore synergies related to Accelerated Education Programmes. The objective is to encourage stakeholders to fully invest in and integrate these programs into existing education systems, ensuring out-of-school children receive quality education that meets national standards.

The increasing number of out-of-school children in West Africa is a pressing concern that requires sustained investment and collective action. The conference will highlight the need for sustained investment, the costs of addressing the issue, and the consequences of not acting. It will also explore innovative solutions and strategies to address the root causes of out-of-school children, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, and social and cultural barriers.

The expected outcomes of the conference include an enhanced understanding of effective practices and research on out-of-school children and strengthened partnerships and cooperation among education stakeholders. The event is organized by a consortium of research firms and think tanks, including Associates for Change in Ghana, the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa in Nigeria, and Dalan Development Consultants in Sierra Leone.

Key Speakers and Topics

1. Dr. Jane Doe, Director, Associates for Change: "Addressing the Root Causes of Out-of-School Children in West Africa"
2. Dr. John Smith, Education Researcher, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa: "Accelerated Education Programmes: Best Practices and Lessons Learned"
3. Ms. Jane Smith, Development Partner, Dalan Development Consultants: "Sustaining Investment in Education: A Regional Perspective"

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of effective practices and research on out-of-school children
• Strengthened partnerships and cooperation among education stakeholders
• Increased investment in Accelerated Education Programmes
• Improved access to quality education for out-of-school children
• Enhanced collaboration among governments, NGOs, and development partners

The conference on addressing out-of-school children in West Africa is a crucial step towards ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all children in the region. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning among stakeholders, the event aims to drive collective action towards addressing this pressing issue. The expected outcomes of the conference will have a lasting impact on the education landscape in West Africa, empowering children to reach their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.