Challenges Facing Youth Education in The Gambia

The Gambia’s education system faces challenges, with 41% of youth not advancing beyond primary education. There are significant disparities in educational access, and challenges include low learning outcomes, rural-urban divides, and gender-based obstacles. The national TVET Roadmap aims to strengthen youth employment and support SME competitiveness through improved vocational training and resources.

The current education landscape in The Gambia reveals significant challenges, with 41% of youths lacking formal education beyond primary levels. Approximately half of the youth population has attained secondary education, while only 7% have completed tertiary education. The Gambian education system, influenced by British standards, encompasses various levels: Early Childhood Development (3 years), Lower Basic Education (6 years), Upper Basic Education (3 years), Secondary Education (3 years), and Tertiary Education (4 years), with the official school-going age beginning at seven years.

Despite improvements in the education sector, low learning outcomes remain a pressing issue, necessitating strategic partnerships to enhance learning environments. Access to education shows stark disparities, particularly between urban and rural areas, where literacy rates are significantly lower. Gender biases further complicate educational access, as societal norms often favor marriage over girls’ schooling, and economic pressures may lead boys to seek employment abroad.

The pervasive issue of poverty adversely affects literacy levels and overall educational attainment. Additionally, information and communication technology (ICT) skills are notably lacking in the youth population, particularly among those aged 15 to 24. Key completion rates reflect the struggles within the education system: primary school completion stands at 88%, while only 65% and 47% of students complete upper basic and secondary education, respectively. Furthermore, children with disabilities encounter numerous barriers to accessing education due to existing social norms and structural hindrances.

The Gambia’s challenges extend beyond education, as young people also face obstacles in youth engagement and the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs often struggle to find qualified personnel necessary for maintaining competitiveness in trade. Moreover, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is instrumental in driving economic growth, equipping the workforce with essential skills to enhance productivity and income levels.

To bridge the gap between youth and SMEs, the Gambian Government has devised a national TVET Roadmap, focusing on improving training quality, aligning curricula with employer needs, and increasing access in rural areas. This roadmap emphasizes collective efforts on both regional and national fronts. Its objectives and activities are grounded in a thorough analysis of the existing TVET and apprenticeship systems, as well as supportive policy and regulatory frameworks guiding their development.

In conclusion, The Gambia faces numerous challenges in youth education, highlighted by high rates of under-education and significant disparities in access. Efforts to enhance educational outcomes must continue to address both structural and societal barriers. By prioritizing technical and vocational education, the Gambian Government aims to connect youthful populations with SMEs, addressing broader economic growth and competitive needs. The development of the national TVET Roadmap represents a crucial step toward achieving these educational and economic objectives.

Original Source: thepoint.gm