AASAP Partners with UNESCO for Continental Education Initiative
Historic partnership will develop comprehensive framework for student affairs excellence across African higher education institutions.
Dr. Themba Mthembu
Vice President, Partnerships, AASAP
The African Association of Student Affairs Professionals (AASAP) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with UNESCO to develop and implement a comprehensive framework for student affairs excellence across African higher education institutions.
Historic Partnership Agreement
The three-year partnership agreement, signed at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, represents the first continental-scale initiative to standardize and enhance student affairs practices across Africa. This collaboration will leverage UNESCO's global expertise in education development with AASAP's deep understanding of African student affairs contexts.
Partnership Objectives
- Develop continental standards for student affairs professional practice
- Create comprehensive training curriculum for student affairs professionals
- Establish quality assurance mechanisms for student support services
- Promote research and innovation in African student affairs
Framework Development Process
The partnership will develop the African Student Affairs Excellence Framework (ASAEF) through a comprehensive consultative process involving universities, governments, and student organizations across all 54 African countries.
Research and Consultation (Months 1-12)
Comprehensive analysis of current practices and stakeholder consultations across African universities.
Framework Development (Months 13-24)
Design and validate the ASAEF with input from international experts and African practitioners.
Implementation and Evaluation (Months 25-36)
Pilot implementation in 30 universities across Africa with continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Expected Impact
This partnership is expected to transform student affairs practice across Africa, ultimately benefiting millions of students and thousands of professionals. The framework will provide:
For Students
- Improved quality of support services
- Enhanced academic success outcomes
- Better preparation for post-graduation life
For Professionals
- Clear professional standards and competencies
- Access to world-class training resources
- International recognition and mobility
"This partnership represents a watershed moment for student affairs in Africa. By working with UNESCO, we're ensuring that our framework meets international standards while remaining authentically African in its approach."
Funding and Resources
The partnership is supported by a $3.2 million grant from the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework, with additional funding from the African Development Bank and the Association of African Universities. This investment will ensure comprehensive implementation across the continent.
Implementation Timeline
Year 1
Research, consultation, and baseline assessment across 54 African countries
Year 2
Framework development, validation, and professional training program creation
Year 3
Pilot implementation, evaluation, and preparation for continental rollout
Call for Participation
Universities across Africa are invited to participate in this historic initiative. The partnership is seeking institutional partners for the consultation phase, pilot implementation, and eventual framework adoption.
Interested institutions should contact the AASAP-UNESCO Partnership Office at partnerships@aasap.org for more information about participation opportunities.