In the African educational landscape, education financing is a major issue that challenges consciences and raises questions about the future of young generations. The figures put forward by UNICEF are alarming: only 2% of the education budget of African governments is allocated to preschool education, while 20% is devoted to higher education on average. This glaring disparity in educational investment raises questions about the priorities of governments and their commitment to training the youngest.
Education is recognized as a fundamental pillar of a country’s development and the fulfillment of its citizens. By neglecting preschool education, African governments are compromising the acquisition of essential skills in children, from an early age. This gap directly impacts the ability of young people to succeed in their subsequent schooling and to fully integrate into society.
The alarming statistics concerning the reading skills of African children only reinforce the urgency of action in education. Indeed, knowing that four out of five children aged 10 are unable to read and understand a simple story is an alarming observation that highlights the challenges facing the education system in Africa. These learning gaps compromise the future of children and directly impact the socio-economic development of countries on the continent.
It is therefore imperative that African governments become aware of the crucial importance of investing in education, paying particular attention to preschool education and ensuring that the resources allocated to education are used optimally to guarantee quality training for all. Education is a powerful lever for social and economic transformation, and its valorization must be at the heart of the priorities of policy makers.
Ultimately, the education of African children is a crucial issue that deserves sustained attention and concrete actions from governments and civil society actors. Investing in education means investing in the future of the African continent and in building a more just and prosperous society for all. It is time to act to give African children the best possible chance to succeed and actively contribute to the development of their country.