The Gambian youth education system encounters several challenges, including low completion rates and access disparities, with 41% of youth lacking formal education while only 7% attain tertiary education. Addressing these issues, the government is developing a national TVET Roadmap to enhance education alignment with job market needs and improve accessibility, particularly in rural areas.
The Gambia’s youth education sector faces significant challenges, with only 7% of the youth attaining tertiary education. Presently, 41% of young individuals have never received formal education or have only completed primary education. The educational structure mirrors the British system, comprising Early Childhood Development for three years, six years of Lower Basic Education, three years of Upper Basic Education, three years of Secondary Education, and four years of Tertiary Education, starting at the official school age of seven years.
Despite efforts to expand the education sector, low learning outcomes are prevalent, indicating the need for strategic partnerships to enhance learning environments. Moreover, access to education is uneven, particularly between urban and rural areas, with rural populations exhibiting lower literacy rates. Social norms further exacerbate issues, with early marriages often prioritized for girls and boys pressured to seek employment abroad, contributing to gender disparities.
Poverty significantly affects literacy levels and educational accomplishment, while a lack of ICT skills is noted among youths aged 15 to 24. Moreover, many children do not complete their schooling, with only 88% finishing primary school, 65% completing upper basic education, and merely 47% reaching senior secondary school. Inclusive education remains inadequate, particularly for children with disabilities who encounter both social and structural barriers.
The Gambian education system, akin to many developing nations, also faces hurdles related to engaging youth and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs struggle to find skilled workers essential for competitiveness and trade. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is critical for fostering economic growth by developing skills that enhance industry productivity and improve employment opportunities for youth.
To better align youth education with the needs of SMEs, the Gambian Government has prioritized developing a national TVET Roadmap, aimed at creating effective linkages between young populations and SMEs. This roadmap seeks to ensure quality training in line with employers’ requirements and to increase educational access in rural areas through coordinated regional and national efforts. A thorough diagnosis of existing TVET and apprenticeship systems forms the foundation for this initiative, including an evaluation of related policies and regulatory frameworks.
In conclusion, The Gambia’s youth education system is fraught with challenges, including low learning outcomes, access disparities, and social barriers affecting gender parity. The government is dedicated to addressing these issues through strategic initiatives, such as the national TVET Roadmap, which aims to enhance the quality of education and align it with the employment needs of SMEs. This comprehensive approach could ultimately lead to improved educational and economic outcomes for the Gambian youth.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
