Education in Africa | Current situation in the sub-Saharan region

The greatest challenge is poverty. Many families cannot afford school uniforms, books and teaching materials. Orphans are particularly affected. In financially weak families, the children often have to contribute to the livelihood.

School children often have to look after their younger siblings, leaving no time for school visits. Girls are particularly affected due to the traditional allocation of roles. They are also often married early.

Statistics illiteracy / illiterate rate

Especially in the rural regions, but also in the so-called townships (e.g. in South Africa) there is a lack of schools, so that the students have to put up with a long and sometimes dangerous way to school and therefore often do not walk it. The school buildings are also often poorly equipped, sometimes there is no electricity and sometimes the lessons have to be done outdoors. In recent years, for example, this problem has been addressed in Ghana counteracted this with the construction of many schools through aid projects. But there is a lack of teachers. The teaching profession is due to the often unreasonable working conditions unattractive.

Illiteracy is supported by:

1. Too few schools in rural areas
2. Too little budget for school equipment
3. Insufficiently trained teachers
4. Poverty and work in childhood

The lesson design is made more difficult due to lack of funds. Playful teaching methods are only slowly finding their way into everyday school life. As a rule, the lesson is held frontally. Some educational methods also seem outdated.

Cane as an educational measure

In some of our target countries (eg Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda or Togo) the cane is still used today as an educational measure. Of course, we at Rainbow Garden Village do not support this practice - But on the contrary! Still, we have to accept this fact as a cultural difference to some extent. If you, as an RGV Volunteer, observe a situation where a student is being caned, try to be sensitive about it. Never criticize the teacher directly or even openly in front of the class - this is completely counterproductive and can even make the situation worse for the students. You can show your displeasure with your facial expression or by leaving the room. But you should leave it at that.

In many countries, the culturally conditioned linguistic diversity an obstacle, which is why the Language of instruction mostly English or French (eg in Togo) is. With this foreign language, many children come into contact for the first time in elementary school - a great challenge!

In addition, many children drop out of school prematurely. The majority of them are Girls, For example, they have to give up their education in favor of their brother or because of marriage, pregnancy or lack of sanitary facilities. Another problem is the spread of HIV / AIDS. Many children need theirs caring for sick parents or become orphans.

The consequences of the educational situation

The consequences of the lack of education in Africa are extreme poverty and high unemployment, Malnutrition and diseases due to lack of education.

Why is it necessary to promote education in Africa?

Education is the Key to get out of the poverty spiral, Only with education do children have one later Opportunity on the job market and real prospects for the future, On top of that, in schools too vital education lesson about hygiene, HIV / AIDS prevention measures and balanced nutrition.

A major investment in education in Africa can have far-reaching consequences for the economy Development of the country to have. Statistically, educated girls have fewer children later in adulthood. In the long term, this will lead to a slowdown in population growth.

In addition, education helps to reduce the spread of diseases and greatly reduces child mortality. Also, education contributes to Promotion of equal rights from girls and boys. This may entail greater involvement of women in economic and political decision-making and give them new choices and opportunities to act as well more self-determination open.

Why volunteer?

As a Volunteer at a school in Africa you can with your commitment to Improvement of the educational situation contribute. With an aid project in Africa, you relieve the local teachers so that the quality of teaching increases. In addition, you can become one in the long term with your own suggestions more varied and interactive lessons beitragen.

>> You can find more reasons here, why you the Volunteering in Africa you should put on your bucket list.