May 25 in 1963 was the day envisioned to annually celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, now the AU) in the fight against colonialism and apartheid. Today, the 25 th of May has evolved into a day of pride and a strong sense of identity for all Africans across the continent, endorsing African unity, integration and recommitting Africa to a shared resolution.
Africa is rising
The coming era should be the African Century – a time when the continent realises its full potential and leads the world in prosperity and innovation. That potential transformation is fueled by one resource – the continent’s youth.
By 2030, there will be more young people entering the workforce across Africa than the rest of the world combined. While other regions struggle with graying populations, Africa will be buoyed by a surge in youthful energy.
For the past 58 years Africans have been reimagining what it means to be an African. As a school group that is aimed at building leaders and innovators for the African Century, Nova Pioneer is trying to reimagine education for the African Child.
Shaping the African Century
Nova Pioneer exists to play a central role in that story of the new Africa. To translate that youth bulge into historic growth, African countries need to provide their next generations with great education, to develop an army of youth with the skills and opportunities to be innovators, job creators, and responsible leaders in every sector of society.
Nova Pioneer aims to be a guiding light for that education imperative. We will support tens of thousands of students each year to realise their potential and shape their countries and, in doing so, we will also inspire change in schools that serve millions more youth.
I Am an African
To commemorate Africa Day, we want to celebrate what it means to be an African and we believe former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, said it best in his iconic ‘I am an African’ speech. Here are some memorable quotes from the speech to reflect on for Africa Day:
“I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the
flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land.”
“I am born of a people who are heroes and heroines, of a people who would not tolerate oppression.”
“It is a firm assertion made by ourselves that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.”
“Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now! Whatever the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace! However
improbable it may sound to the sceptics, Africa will prosper!”
