 There is wide agreement inside and outside Africa that the overarching education priority in most Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is to reach the Education For All (EFA) goals for 2015. However, there is also agreement that this priority must be seen as an integral part of a holistic education development strategy where all levels and types of education have important roles to play. Within such a global strategy, secondary education and training has often been the “forgotten sector".
At the beginning of the 21st century, broadening access and improving quality of Secondary Education are challenges that few countries can ignore. In Sub-Saharan Africa, on average, only 30% of students complete junior secondary education and 12% senior secondary. This is a weak foundation for sustained economic and social development. Constraints on public resources make it, however, difficult to respond effectively to these demands without reorganizing the way Secondary Education is provided. Systems will need to become more efficient: they need to use resources better to broaden access and to graduate students with relevant knowledge and skills so that the investments can pay off in terms of economic growth. Social imperatives – HIV-AIDS and other health risks, democratic values, participation in economic and social development – require specific and effective policies to improve availability of services, promote a better life style and increase employment opportunities. SEIA Study Objectives The Africa Human Development Department (AFTHD) in the World Bank is completing the multi-year study on “Secondary Education and Training in Africa” (SEIA). The SEIA multiyear study was undertaken in collaboration with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries to: collect and summarize best practices; identify sustainable development plans for expanding and improving the quality, equity, and efficiency of Secondary Education and Training in Africa; and find ways for donor agencies to better coordinate and support reform in Secondary Education and Training.
The 3rd SEIA Regional Conference was hosted by the Ghana’s Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and took place April 2-4, 2007 in Accra.
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