The Order reaffirms its commitment to educational excellence and evangelization in the African continent in light of the challenges and opportunities of AI

From May 9 to 10, 2025, the first regional virtual education congress for Africa was held.

Under the theme “The Identity of Augustinian Schools in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the seminar—coordinated by Fr. Kenneth Eze, OSA, with the support of the General Assistant and coordinator of the international commission, Fr. Javier Pérez Barba, OSA—brought together more than 250 educators from Augustinian schools in Nigeria, Kenya, Congo, and Tanzania, as well as affiliated congregations such as the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the Augustinian Missionary Sisters of Tanzania.

Organized by the African Regional Working Team for Education, this initiative falls under the International Commission for Apostolate and Evangelization of the Order of Saint Augustine.

Format and Structure

• Presentations in English with simultaneous translation into French.

• Keynote lectures:

  • “From the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the Anthropological Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities of AI” (Fr. Elias Neira Arellano, OSA)

  • “Interaction of Augustinian Pedagogy with Artificial Intelligence: An Anthropological and Theological Perspective” (Fr. Mauricio Saavedra, OSA)

• Workshops in breakout rooms by language for exchanging experiences and best practices.

• A space for questions and answers.

Objectives and Achievements

• Regional Collaboration: The first joint educational project among the four African jurisdictions.

• Training and Networking: Strengthening professional and fraternal ties among educators in the region.

• Critical Reflection: Analyzing the pedagogical and pastoral implications of AI in Augustinian schools.

• Awareness of Challenges: Identifying deficiencies in ICT infrastructure and the need for continued teacher training.

The Future of Our Schools in Africa

“The seminar exceeded all our expectations,” stated Fr. Kenneth Eze in his closing speech. “Seeing so many brothers and sisters committed to the Augustinian educational mission and willing to face the challenges of artificial intelligence together is a sign of hope for the future of our schools in Africa.”

For his part, Fr. Javier Pérez Barba emphasized in his opening speech the hope that this first joint project in Africa represents, stating that “by investing in the formation of Augustinian educators here, we are sowing a more promising future for our schools, our communities, and our evangelizing mission.” He also expressed his wish that “this first collaborative experience lays the foundation for future gatherings and training projects,” reaffirming the Order’s commitment to educational excellence and evangelizing service in Africa.