Africa to have free primary schooling

Jonathan Lungu, Mozambique
School fees at primary level are to be abolished in all African countries. This is a resolution taken at a conference attended by African Ministers of Education in Maputo, Mozambique. The resolution is seen as a mechanism to develop education on the continent.

The focus of this year's biannual conference, organised by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), focused on getting more children beyond primary school.

Statistics indicate that the dropout rate has increased by 45% on the continent, with 54% being girls.

Mozambique rebuilds education system
Mozambique's education system is slowly developing after 16 years of civil war. The war saw at least 50% of the country's primary schools being destroyed. But the end of the war resulted in the establishment of governmental institutions and successful education programmes. The country is still facing a critical shortage of educators.

The host of this year's education conference, Mozambique has probably experienced the most political, economic and social changes. The country is among more than 80 developing countries that have built schools to accommodate children in the primary level.

Statistics show that throughout sub-Saharan Africa, girls are the first to drop out of school. Lack of resources and cultural beliefs have forced others to perform certain duties rather than attend school.

Meanwhile, South Africa has agreed to open its doors to students from other countries to further their studies in various institutions.