African Education Festival this weekend will focus on Ubuntu

Those in the world of education should get their weekend plans in order as the IB African Education Festival South Africa 2026 kicks off today.

Celebration, Part of the International Baccalaureate (IB)It will last only for two days and the last day will be on 11th April. The objective of the Festival is to bring together all stakeholders in education to help achieve the goal of shaping Africa through education. As per official announcement.

Leaning on its international roots, as part of the IB, the program takes place at the American International School in Midrand.

Despite this international flavour, the focus of the event is as local as it comes. This year's theme is “Building Ubuntu through Education in Africa – Shared Humanity, Unique Context” which has three interesting pillars:

1. Community: Education that strengthens belonging and shared responsibility. How do we nurture learners who are deeply rooted in their communities, yet ready to contribute to society at large?
2. Collaboration: Working together within schools, across boundaries and across education systems to create meaningful solutions.
3. Mindfulness: Putting humanity at the center of progress in an AI-driven world. How can schools balance innovation with ethics, compassion and well-being?

The Mindfulness pillar really caught our attention because of its focus on AI. artificial intelligence It seems to be in the headlines every day, and if not used properly it could be detrimental to Africa and the world.

Thankfully, members of the South African government will be attending the IB African Education Festival this weekend. in a post The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) said the department's Deputy Minister, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, will chair the first day of the event.

“(The Festival) provides a vibrant platform for professionals in the field of education to exchange ideas, share best practices and shed light on innovative approaches shaping Africa's educational landscape. Attendees can expect dynamic keynote sessions led by visionary thinkers, interactive breakout workshops that span community, collaboration and mindfulness, networking opportunities with sponsors, peers and partners from across the continent, and showcases of inspiring school stories and solutions,” It is written in the post of DHET.

“Among other things, the Deputy Minister is expected to speak on decolonizing education, skills for the future and Ubuntu in practice in the classroom.”

While the festival is just beginning, Registration button on IB website Still active at the time of writing. Anyone interested in participating should press that button as soon as possible.