International Day of Students in Africa

The students’ fraternity of Africa, in solidarity with all the student groups worldwide, joins in the celebration of the International Day of Students to recognize efforts of the world’s students in enhancing global society, and most importantly to commemorate the Anniversary of the 1939 Nazi storming of the University of Prague after demonstrations against the killing of Jan Opletal, the occupation of Czechoslovakia, the execution of nine student leaders, over 1200 students sent to concentration camps, and the closing of all Czech universities and colleges. We, the African Students, also aim to promote ways to engage the Students and Youth in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.

The Africa Students sees this year’s celebration as an opportunity to have a team called “Students as agents of Change: Partnering with Youth” as a way of making thorough evaluation of the present state of Student development across the globe particularly in Africa, bearing in mind that Africa is currently faced with the challenges of access to quality and affordable education and meaningful employment for the citizens. Our focus, as we mark the International Day of Students, is to objectively analyze the partnerships between governments across the continent and the youth towards achieving a self sustaining continent under the topic of “The Role of the Students in The Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.”

In 2000, 191 countries around the globe met at the United Nations and decided to curb some six and later 8 global challenges (millennium development goals) by the year 2015. These are:

• eradicate extreme hunger and poverty
• achieve universal primary education
• promote gender equality and empower women,
• reduce child mortality,
• improve maternal health,
• combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other disease,
• ensure environmental sustainability and
• develop a global partnership for developments.

As an African Student, we are determined to partner with governments and development partners across the globe to contribute our quota to curbing these menaces.
We are convinced of the potential of our youth towards a meaningful development of our continent.

Finally, we should consider this year’s International Students’ Day as another opportunity to stand up for the Rights of African Students, more than a mere commemoration.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF STUDENTS!

In Students’ Solidarity
Micheal Opeyemi Ige
African Student
All Africa Students Union 

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” Kofi Annan.