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The State of Education in Africa

[Education 2]

Access to a basic education is a fundamental right of all children. Yet approximately 77 million children globally do not attend school. The effects of poverty, abuse, neglect, gender disparity, and disease often result in children missing out on an education. Problems with funding and the institutional responsibility for education are also major factors.

It is estimated that, in 2004, 38 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa had never been to school. As a result they have been deprived of experiences integral to full physical, social and emotional development.

Many children are excluded from school because they join the labour market to support their families, belong to a culturally marginalised group, or simply live too far away from educational resources. Children from the poorest income groups are least likely to attend school. Over 80 per cent of African children who do not attend school live in rural areas.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has also crippled education across Africa, particularly in rural areas. Violent conflict, natural disasters and food shortages are also contributing factors in the low primary school enrolment of children, particularly in West and Central Africa.

Gender disparity in education is heightened by early marriages and pregnancy, and sexual aggression in conflict areas on girls.

Children enrolled in school do not always gain an adequate education. As many schools are often under resourced with too few or poorly trained teachers, children do not always attain the minimum standards of education despite attending school. A lack of capacity for new students in schools may cause the positive effects of increased enrolments to be offset by poor retention and completion rates.

It is estimated that in the Sub-Saharan region alone, approximately a further US$6.5 billion in external aid will be needed to achieve quality education.

To find out more about the state of education in Kenya, click here.

You can make a difference by entering a partnership, donating or volunteering.

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