The Mauritius Institute of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Human Resources and UNESCO will host a Regional High Level Meeting on “The Teaching of Philosophy in Africa” from 7 to 8 September 2009.

The teaching of philosophy is undeniably one of the keystones of a quality education for all. It contributes to opening the mind, to critical reflection, to independent thinking, just so many safeguards against all forms of manipulation, obscurantism and exclusion. Since 2005, UNESCO’s member states have been intent upon strengthening the organisation of a philosophy programme through the adoption by the Executive Council of a three faceted Intersectoral Strategy for philosophy involving philosophical dialogue in face of world-wide problems, the teaching of philosophy, and the promotion of philosophic thought and research.  UNESCO’s ambition is now to go one step further by involving the maximum number of concerned and committed member states in providing durable support for philosophy within the educational system, both formal and informal.

Within this framework, meetings on the teaching of philosophy are being organized in many parts of the world.  Anglophone countries namely Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Lesotho as well as UNESCO representatives are expected to participate in this meeting in Mauritius.

The principal objective of this high level encounter is to engage in concerted action with member states so as to accompany them in the formulation of policies favouring the teaching of philosophy. Deliberations will lead to the development of a strategy in the field of the teaching of philosophy at national and regional levels, and to ensure that the teaching of philosophy contributes to the Dakar objectives for “Education for All”, in view of the full attainment of quality education.