The UNESCO SDG4 2026/2027 Youth and Student Network for young educational leaders in Cape Verde
Introduction: A New Chapter for Education in Cape Verde
Education is the backbone of any nation's development, and Cape Verde is no exception. Recognising the crucial importance of investing in youth and quality education, UNESCO has launched the SDG4 (Sustainable Development Goal 4) Youth and Student Network for the period 2026/2027. This ambitious initiative aims to empower young educational leaders in Cape Verde by providing them with the tools, knowledge and support network needed to drive significant change in the education sector.
What is the UNESCO SDG4 Youth and Student Network?
UNESCO's SDG4 Youth and Student Network is a global platform that brings together young leaders passionate about education from around the world. SDG4, which aims to ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, is the central focus of this network. In Cape Verde, the network seeks to identify, empower and connect young people who are already making a difference in education or who show strong potential to become leaders in the future.
- Main Objective: Promote the implementation of SDG4 in Cape Verde through youth leadership.
- Target audience: Young students, educators, activists and social entrepreneurs with an interest in education.
- Duration: Two-year cycle (2026/2027).
Why Cape Verde? The Urgency of Quality Education
Cape Verde, as a small island developing state, faces unique challenges in the education sector. Although there has been significant progress in recent decades, there are still significant disparities in access to quality education, especially in rural areas and for marginalised groups. The UNESCO SDG4 Youth and Student Network recognises the urgent need to address these challenges and empower the next generation of educational leaders to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all Cape Verdeans.
According to recent data from Cape Verde's National Statistics Institute (INE), although the literacy rate has increased, the quality of education and the completion rate of secondary education still need significant improvement. The network aims to address these issues through:
- Pedagogical Innovation: Promoting the use of new technologies and teaching methodologies to improve the quality of learning.
- Inclusion: Ensuring that all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location, have access to quality education.
- Empowerment: Empowering young people to become agents of change in their communities and in the education sector.
How the Network Empowers Young Educational Leaders
UNESCO's SDG4 Youth and Student Network offers a variety of opportunities to empower young educational leaders in Cape Verde:
- Leadership training and development: Workshops, seminars and online courses on leadership, project management, advocacy and other essential skills.
- Mentoring: Access to experienced mentors in the education sector who can provide guidance and support.
- Networking opportunities: Connecting with other young educational leaders from around the world, allowing for the exchange of ideas and collaboration on projects.
- Project Financing: Access to small grants to support innovative projects that promote SDG4 in Cape Verde.
- Participation in international conferences and events: Opportunity to represent Cape Verde at global events related to education.
Examples of Impact: Success Stories
Although the network for 2026/2027 has not yet started, we can look at similar initiatives in other countries to understand the potential impact. For example, in Nigeria, a network of young educators supported by UNESCO developed a literacy programme for girls in rural areas, resulting in a significant increase in literacy rates and school attendance. In Mozambique, another network implemented a project to train teachers in digital technologies, improving the quality of teaching and student learning.
In Cape Verde, we can imagine similar projects:
- Creation of online platforms to access educational resources in remote areas.
- Development of mentoring programmes for young students at risk of dropping out of school.
- Implementation of environmental education projects in schools to promote sustainability.
The Role of Young People in Transforming Education in Cape Verde
Young people are the main stakeholders in the future of education in Cape Verde. They have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and their active participation is essential to the success of UNESCO's SDG4 Youth and Student Network. By empowering young people to become educational leaders, the network is investing in the future of Cape Verde and building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Education in Cape Verde
The UNESCO SDG4 2026/2027 Youth and Student Network represents a unique opportunity to empower young educational leaders in Cape Verde and drive significant change in the education sector. By providing training, mentoring, networking opportunities and project funding, the network is investing in the future of Cape Verde and building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all.
Join the UNESCO SDG4 2026/2027 Youth and Student Network and lead education! Find out more and apply here: Apply Now!
Application deadline: 10 July 2025.
