Poor Education in Africa

Summary:

Zimbabwe's education system is beginning to battle back from years of neglect and an exodus of teachers. But many parents still find it impossible to pay the U.S. $24 a year fees and some resort to using chickens as payment. The government stopped funding some schools as far back as 1999, and as the economy crumbled so too did the quality of learning. According to the education department, 20,000 teachers have left the country in the past two years and half of Zimbabwe's children have not progressed beyond primary school. Many parents today are too poor to send their children to school. Rural schools -- where pencils, desks and books are luxuries -- are hardest hit. In two years 20,000 teachers have left Zimbabwe. In a school with 406 children, that means that almost 13 children have to share one text book. The families of some children are so poor they cannot afford the reduced fees of U.S. $2 a year -- only a quarter of the children have the funds.

Reflection:

This article has really opened my eyes. It is really hard for teachers to teach in Africa without the money and supplies they need. It is really important to have children get the best education and have the chance to go to collage. It is very difficult for them to go to collage when most have not passed primary school. I want to know why kids are having to suffer and go through these situations everyday. Do people not understand the wonders are of having and education? Parents want to have the best for there kids to get the best education are struggling to pay for necessities. They are willing to give up food. This is brand new news to me. But i wonder, if people will step in to help teachers and kids have the money and necessities to be able to teach the

Evidence:

"According to the education department, 20,000 teachers have left the country in the past two years"

"pencils, desks and books are luxuries"

"some fees are reported paid in chickens"

Questions:

1) Why is it hard to get an education in Africa?

2) Is each teacher having the same struggles?

Work Cited:

Mabuse, Nkepile CNN " Zimbabwe Schools Begin Fightback"

February 1, 2010