By 2100, nearly half of the world population below the age of 24 will be Africans (UN World Population Prospects).
Young people are Africa’s most valuable asset and the single most important key to unlocking sustainable economic growth.
As Africa will provide the global labor force of tomorrow, investments made in improving access to and delivering quality higher education will lead to an economic dividend. Equipping young people with the right skills in key sectors is critical to driving transformation and supporting inclusive growth.
How is Honoris addressing the future needs of Africa, providing access to high quality, affordable education? How does Honoris ensure that education is inclusive, equitable, and high quality? What is the corporate social responsibility vision of Honoris Group?
HONORIS RESPONSE
Honoris believes that their communities of culturally agile students and graduates will help develop Africa in preparation for the regional and global challenges of the planet. For this reason, Honoris ensures schools and universities deliver a positive social impact in the local communities.
Quality education contributes to rising incomes and enhances employment opportunities.
Corporate citizenship is therefore at the heart of the Honoris mission to provide access to quality education that builds careers for the next generation of African leaders and professionals.
HONORIS SUPPORTS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAMS ACROSS THREE CORE AREAS
ACCESS TO EDUCATION
WOMEN LEADERSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
GOING GREEN
Helping to improve young people's access to education
Education should be accessible to everyone who yearns for it, but the reality is that a large percentage of the world has not been able to realize this for its people. Global efforts have to be made in order to rectify the huge disparity in education systems, especially for the youth. Africa has the largest population of youth across all the continents – known as a youth bulge – which means it holds so much untouched human potential. Thankfully, education comes in many forms: it is not confined to traditional classroom environments and it is not only provided by qualified professionals. Education can come even from the simplest of acts that allow the propagation of information or skills – for curiosity to be engaged and knowledge to be cultivated.
Honoris has formal institutions in their network which offer leading education curricula for their students; but what these institutions also do is focus on their immediate communities and lend a helping hand. Every initiative under the Honoris umbrella is either as a source or an extension of education which serves to close a gap that has been identified in the institutions’ relative communities.
MANCOSA, SOUTH AFRICA: MILLION BOOKS PROJECT
In recognition of World Book Day on 23 April, MANCOSA renewed its pledge to donate a million books to promote the enjoyment of reading among children, especially in poor communities.
Professor Magnate Ntombela, newly appointed as principal of MANCOSA following the untimely passing of philanthropist and eminent educationist, Professor Yusuf Karodia, said he would promote the “Million Books Campaign” initiated by his predecessor with even greater zeal and determination.
“We want to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings them. Reading develops critical thinking, deepens imagination, and promotes intrigue and enquiry".
The late Professor Karodia, founder of MANCOSA, was a strong believer that reading is an essential ingredient for children to improve their literacy, further their education, and to brighten their future.
Through the Yusuf Karodia Foundation, he launched the “Million Books Project” which aims to provide more than a million books to school children across South Africa through mobile libraries.
The Late Professor Karodia
“Research has shown that access to libraries improves learner performance and increases their chances of success. A literate educated society is a safer, healthier, and more prosperous society. Sadly, hundreds of schools lack libraries.”
Since its inception in February 2018, the MANCOSA “reading revolution” has touched more than two million pupils in 55 schools across the country. To date 60,000 books have been donated in 167 mobile libraries.
“Reading is one of my favourite pastimes. The generous donation from MANCOSA has helped our school pupils to learn more.”
“On behalf of all learners and educators, we wish to extend our gratitude to MANCOSA for the donation of three mobile libraries. This will make a huge difference in improving reading skills and expanding pupils’ vocabulary.”
“Having our school chosen as a recipient is a dream come true. There is no future if basic reading skills are not honed.”
Nile University of Nigeria: Abuja Global Shapers Community
Nile University of Nigeria in collaboration with the Abuja Global Shapers Community (Abuja GSC) recently commenced a mentoring program for the University’s students. The Abuja GSC is a global organization with over 400 hubs worldwide which provides an avenue for top professionals in various sectors of Nigeria to come together to tackle pressing issues in the country.
The mentorship program was created to nurture and encourage talented young Nigerian students who are committed to shaping their communities. Mentees are taught various business concepts and strategies, as well as employability attitudes to help develop their entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
>>read more
Temipope Ojulari (Computer Science 400 Level)
“Hello, my name is Temitope Ojulari. I am a final year student of computer sciences at Nile University. My experience with Abuja Global Shapers has really shaped my life for the better. I believe that with this initiative many people can learn to develop themselves, not just in their academics but in their personal life as well. The experience has been very fulfilling for me, one of great adventure and a great experience. It has taught me to develop myself, my personal skills, learn how to speak up for what I really need and become somebody great, so I am thankful for the experience.”
Mohammed M. Yerima (Petroleum and Gas Engineering)
“Hello, my name is Mohammed Masud Yerima, a recent graduate of Nile University of Nigeria, department of petroleum and gas engineering. I was among the students selected to participate in the Abuja Global Shapers Mentorship Program. This mentorship program has been tasking and equally rewarding. It has enabled me to develop my problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills and later analytical skills. This program has given me the opportunity of learning beyond the four walls of my classroom. I want to encourage our students who will be part of the next Abuja Global Shapers Mentorship Program to maximise their opportunity. It is going to be rewarding and exciting.”
Le Wagon Morocco: Partnership with French Tech
Le Wagon and French Tech joined forces to promote the role of youth in tech for impact.
Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been disrupting lives around the world, imposing a new reality where the way we work, learn, consume, and interact has significantly changed.
More than ever, education and health care are pillars for our societies. Technology can accelerate access to both of these, but it also raises the issues of the current digital divide and digital illiteracy. >>>read more
Laura Martin, Project Manager Le Wagon
"Honoris is delighted to have supported around 20 young tech enthusiasts in its first collaboration with La French Tech Morocco. The students set off by learning the basic concepts of UX/UI Design and worked in groups to prototype a dynamic representation of their website using collaborative tools. The first version of their sites were reviewed and feedback was relayed to the students, individually. This partnership with La French Tech Maroc reflects Honoris' ambition to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit among young people and to equip them with skills which they can use to launch themselves in the market and have their products tested."
UNIVERSITÉ CENTRALE of Tunisia assists Primary School in Kram
Just a few days after an incident occurred at the Habib Bourguiba School in Kram, where part of the roof of a classroom collapsed, some 550 students were able to return to school. This was made possible by the joint efforts of civil society, the collaboration of the authorities, the members of the association 'moghayroun of Kram', and UNIVERSITÉ CENTRALE.
UNIVERSITÉ CENTRALE, a member of the Honoris United Universities group, has proven its unwavering commitment to participate in the development of the education of future generations in Tunisia by providing young students with a building in its engineering department where school teachers can resume with the academic program. The students can continue with their school program, unhindered, in a safe environment that is conducive to learning.
The CEO of the UCG Group, Mrs. Houbeb Ajmi, said:
"The students of the Kram school are our children, and we are committed to their success and development. We have therefore done everything in our power to allow these students to find their way back to school as quickly as possible. Through this action, we would like to inculcate in our students the values of solidarity and citizenship, but also to highlight the power of action of young Tunisians committed. Happy and excited at the idea of discovering the premises that were offered to them, the young students did not hesitate to share their immense joy to find themselves in an engineering school -a feeling also shared by the parents who were invited to see the space their children will be using for the time being. Students will study normally in this space until the end of the renovation work that has already begun at Habib Bourguiba Primary School."
