4-8 September 2006:  Teaching and learning materials from more than twenty-five African countries - in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Kiswahili and more than thirty other African languages - were presented at the exhibition which took place at the Joaqui Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo from 4-8 September. The exhibition was organized parallel to the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF) for the launching of the Plan of Action for the Second Decade of Education for Africa. Curriculum and teaching and learning materials is one of the seven focus areas of the action plan, which seeks the acceleration of education development as an essential condition to fulfill the African Union’s vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa.

The exhibition sought to draw attention to the importance of books and material for African education systems and to enable countries to exchange experiences. Research shows that textbooks in core subjects for all children and teachers’ guides are among the most cost-effective inputs for improving learning at school.

“Focusing on African produced material was intended to underscore efforts made throughout the continent and the need to support African publishing”, says Thanh-Hoa Desruelles, Communications and Publications Officer for ADEA (the Association for the Development of Education in Africa).

Special emphasis was given to Mathematics, Science and Technology, which the African Union considers as key to poverty eradication and to Africa’s development and participation in the global economy. Another main focus was material in African languages. Research shows that learning outcomes are significantly higher for children who learn in their vernacular in the early years of school, and bilingual education and mother-tongue instruction are promising avenues to improve learning and reduce dropouts.

Material pertaining to various other subjects was also displayed at the exhibition, including Agriculture, HIV/AIDS, Languages, History, Geography, Life skills, Business studies, Gender issues and Alternatives to Violence. Showcased material came from African publishers.  The exhibition was also an opportunity for viewing films related to education, culture, new communication technologies and gender issues.