Children all over Africa share a strong desire to go to school. Yet, over 50 million of them still don’t have the opportunity to do so. Indeed, many young people’s access to education remains a challenge. But why is that?
The education system in Africa needs more resources. Many more crucial factors play an essential role in education’s development. And the world wants to help! Reading EssayPro reviews shows that platforms like these can go a long way toward a better future for Africa’s schools. This article will explore the challenges education in Africa faces.
More importantly, it will dive into their solutions. Africa is no exception regarding the fundamental human right to education. Let’s look at the educational problems in Africa that need solutions!
Acknowledging the Importance of Issues
According to UNESCO, one-fifth of African children between 6 and 11 years old are absent from school. As for youth 15-17, 60% are not in school and should get the teaching. These researches certainly strike a significant concern and immediate care.
Africa’s lack of resources and access to educate their children is declining education development. Therefore, the continent’s economic growth comes to a halt. Acknowledging these issues is of global importance. We can provide a brighter future for Africa and the world by taking collective action for educational problems and solutions.
Problem 1: Access to Education
The most significant issue in further development is access to education. Even though the number of children attending school has increased, there’s still an imbalance. In rural and remote places, schools are very far away. Children need to walk great distances to get to school. Not only is it exhausting for children, but it also presents a safety issue for students.
Moreover, managing the prices of educating children is challenging, especially in impoverished communities. It can go to extremes. An example would be parents deciding whether to invest in their children’s schooling or meet their daily needs.
Seychelles is ranked as the best education system in Africa. According to UNESCO, in 2016, the government paid 11.72% towards education. Examples like these are what other African countries can look up to!
Conflicts and unstable country states also cause significant problems regarding schooling. Some schools are being forced to shut down because of violent activity. These are consequential losses of learning opportunities.
Potential Solution
After acknowledging the reality of Africa’s learning options, governments and organizations must join forces to create more facilities. They’re taking a big step toward development by providing more spaces and connecting them well with better infrastructure.
Providing financial support is also a vital solution to this problem. All children deserve to go to school. Scholarships and financial aid allow everyone to use their right to schooling.
Problem 2: Gender Inequality
In many African countries, girls and young women face significant barriers. Along with cultural norms and early marriage, gender inequality plays a vital role in access to education. UNESCO’s research results say 9 million sub-Saharan girls ages 6-11 will never attend school. That is even more than a shocking 6 million boys in the same period.
Societal norms of the African education system put ‘boys learning over girls.’ Families will often prioritize a boy going to school rather than a girl. This is because boys are considered future providers. Therefore, girls are usually the ones who stay at home and raise children.
In addition, safety concerns are also a big part of girls’ attendance at schools. Many areas are unsafe because of the harassment girls face walking to school.
Potential Solution
Quality teacher training can significantly contribute to solving this problem. Educators should create an inclusive, gender-sensitive atmosphere. Both boys and girls deserve a bright and safe learning environment.
Involving parents and communities is also a good step toward creating equal learning opportunities. When people understand the benefits of equally educating both genders, they are more likely to support their children’s education. Even the most educated countries in Africa had to start somewhere!
Problem 3: Low-quality Schooling
Many African countries need more essential resources. Shortages of classrooms, books, and modern technology contribute to a decline. They are all crucial to the quality of teaching. Many students, unfortunately, learn in overcrowded and poorly equipped classrooms. This limits their access to a meaningful learning experience.
The education system in Africa experiences high drop-out rates. Students often leave school early because of different economic factors. Early marriages and the need for child labor are also significant reasons for dropping out of school.
Additionally, comprehension and learning are limited because of language barriers. In most countries, the medium of instruction is not the native language of students.
Potential Solution
People in power, like governments and organizations, should start rationing a more significant portion of their budgets towards schooling. Acquiring suitable transportation and materials for learning is a crucial part of the budget.
In addition, raising awareness of the benefits of education will undoubtedly lower drop-out rates. Implementing bilingual or multilingual programs in schools can also improve the quality of African schooling.
Bottom Line
Education is a fundamental human right. It encourages us all to develop and progress. Africa is no exception when it comes to high-quality education. By addressing issues and working on suggested solutions, Africa’s youth can enjoy their right to learn and educate themselves.
By taking collective action, Africa and the world can provide a bright future for their children. Together, we can ensure they have the tools and opportunities to contribute to their societies’ growth and well-being.
About the Author
Alina Bishop is an experienced English professor who has worked in several renowned schools, like Columbia and the University of Chicago. Her passion for the English language has also led her to many volunteering endeavors.
She frequently teaches in Rwanda and Zanzibar during summers. Alina became part of the UNICEF ambassadors’ team in 2014 and continues to help African youth toward a brighter future.