Addis Ababa – (NAN) Dr Beatrice Khamati, Head,  Education Division of the AU Commission, says more than 26 African countries are unlikey to achieve  Education for All (EFA) by 2015.

Khamati said this on Tuesday in Addis Ababa at a two-day regional workshop on Effective Monitoring and Advocacy for the Rights to Education in Africa organised by the Commission.

She said the current situation in many African countries made it difficult for the continent  to achieve sustainable development and the MDG targets.

“Inadequate political will, financing and deficiencies in coordination, monitoring and advocacy are some of the challenges that have contributed to this negative status quo.’’

Khamati  said there was a need for stakeholders to take stock and come up with strategies that would enhance strong partnerships as well as effective monitoring and advocacy at national, regional and international level in order to reverse the situation and accelerate progress towards 2015.

Also speaking,  Mrs Jennifer Chiwela, Chairperson Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA) said stakeholders were alarmed that 11 years after the launch of EFA Goals in Dakar and mid-way to the deadline, about 30 million children have remained out of school in Africa.

“Majority of those excluded are women, girls and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities,’’ she said.

 Chiwale also urged stakeholders to generate debate on policy options for Africa to address its education gaps and excel in socio-economic development within the concept of African Renaissance.

She said the workshop would define ways of strengthening mutual partnerships among African governments, civil society, regional and economic bodies and the international community  in ensuring citizens’ right to quality education in Africa.(NAN)