The Gambia’s youth education faces significant challenges, with high levels of undereducation and low completion rates. Despite expansion efforts, issues such as gender disparities, poverty, and low learning outcomes persist. To combat these obstacles, the Gambian Government is focusing on improving the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, aiming to enhance skills and facilitate youth employment.
The Gambian youth education sector faces considerable challenges, with 41% of youth either lacking formal education or having only achieved primary education. Approximately 50% of young individuals have accessed secondary education, while only 7% have attained tertiary education. The education system follows the British model, encompassing Early Childhood Development and various educational stages, with school attendance commencing at the age of seven.
Among the critical issues in education are low learning outcomes, despite efforts to expand the sector. There is a significant urban-rural divide impacting literacy rates, with rural areas demonstrating lower levels of education. Additionally, gender disparities are evident, as traditional social norms favor marriage for girls over their educational pursuits, while boys may face pressure to seek employment abroad.
Poverty severely hampers access to educational resources and literacy attainment. Furthermore, information and communication technology (ICT) skills are notably lacking among the youth population aged 15 to 24. Completion rates for education are also concerning, with primary school completion at 88%, but only 65% for upper basic school and 47% for senior secondary.
Children with disabilities encounter additional challenges, as they face barriers to accessing education due to societal norms and structural impediments. The Gambian context shows that youth engagement and competitiveness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are hindered significantly. SMEs struggle to find skilled employees, and the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is vital for enhancing economic growth.
In response, the Gambian Government has prioritized the development of a national TVET Roadmap to bridge the gap between youth and SMEs. This roadmap aims to improve the quality of training delivery, ensure alignment with employer needs, and enhance accessibility to education in rural regions. It is designed to foster coordinated efforts at both regional and national levels, based on a comprehensive analysis of the current TVET and apprenticeship frameworks.
In summary, the education sector in The Gambia faces substantial challenges that impact youth engagement and skills development. The government, alongside international organizations, is addressing issues such as low educational attainment, gender disparities, poverty, and inadequate access to ICT skills. The development of the TVET Roadmap is a pivotal step towards improving the quality of vocational training and aligning educational pathways with the needs of the economy, ultimately aiding in youth employment and SME competitiveness.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
