Context of the SEIA StudyThere is wide agreement inside and outside Africa that the overarching education priority in most Sub-Saharan African countries is to reach the Education For All (EFA) goals for 2015. However, there is also an 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 has often been the “forgotten sector’.
At the beginning of 21st century, broadening access at the Junior and Secondary level is a challenge that few countries can ignore. In Sub-Saharan Africa an average of only 30% of each age cohort completes junior secondary education and 12% senior secondary education. This is a weak foundation for sustained economic and social development, especially at a time where in many countries economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is accelerating.
SEIA 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 SEIA Synthesis report will be discussed and disseminated at the Third SEIA Regional Conference which willbe hosted by the Ghana Ministry of Education from April 1- 4, 2007 in Accra Ghana. Methodology : a Participatory Approach One of the guiding principles used for the SEIA Study is a participatory approach involving a large range of stakeholders. Within countries national teams have been composed of individuals from the Ministry of Education, Universities, or other recognized educational institutions in order to develop specific national Secondary Education strategies. Moreover, SEIA Thematic Studies have been carried out in partnership with Institutions and Universities from the North and South. The methodology developed for the study is based on the analysis and exchange of knowledge on Secondary Education. To elicit active participation from both African countries and their partners, the SEIA has: Held two Regional Conferences in Africa and a Third SEIA Regional Conference is under preparation for April 1-4, 2007: SEIA Regional Conferences Identified thematic studies including collected experiences, accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned within the region : SEIA Thematic studies
Started to draw up a document based on a literature review directly related to Secondary Education as well as work done in the framework of SEIA Study: SEIA Synthesis Report
SEIA Financing
Financing for the SEIA Study has been provided by the World Bank, International Donor Agencies, and African countries. We gratefully acknowledge the Norwegian and Irish Education Trust Fund.
