African governments must accelerate their efforts to provide free, quality education from preschool through secondary school by 2030, Human Rights Watch urged on the African Union’s (AU) Day of the African Child, observed on June 16, 2024.
Africa remains the region with the highest number of children out of school. In 2021, an alarming 98 million children and adolescents of primary and secondary school age were not enrolled in educational institutions. Furthermore, access to early childhood education remains out of reach for most pre-primary-age children. Despite progress in reducing gender disparities, girls continue to face significant educational barriers, leading to higher dropout rates before completing primary or secondary school.
Millions of African children either lack access to education or are enrolled in schools that fail to provide the quality education their governments have promised, said Mausi Segun, Africa Director at Human Rights Watch. Many African states have adopted education policies that fall short of their human rights obligations, thereby compromising the quality of education for children across the continent.
Time is Running Out to Meet Education Commitments
The 2024 theme for the Day of the African Child is: “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.” With global and African education deadlines approaching, African governments must remove legal and policy barriers that prevent millions of children—especially girls—from accessing education. All African nations have pledged to ensure 12 years of free, compulsory primary and secondary education, along with at least one year of free pre-primary education. However, these commitments remain unfulfilled as 2025, the deadline for the AU’s Continental Education Strategy, nears. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 2030 for universal education access.
Recognizing the urgency, the AU designated 2024 as the Year of Education to reaffirm the collective commitment of African countries to achieving educational equality and advancing development goals.
Progress and Persistent Challenges
Some African nations have taken meaningful steps toward these objectives. For instance:
– Zambia introduced a free education policy covering early childhood to secondary education in all public schools in 2022.
– Madagascar passed a law ensuring one year of free, compulsory pre-primary education.
– Sierra Leone enacted an education reform in 2023, guaranteeing 13 years of free schooling, including pre-primary and secondary education.
However, financial obstacles continue to hinder progress. The inability to afford school fees, uniforms, books, and transportation disproportionately affects children from the poorest households, increasing dropout risks. Governments must take stronger action to eliminate unauthorized tuition fees and other indirect costs that act as barriers to education.
Limited Implementation of Free Pre-Primary Education
Despite commitments to at least one year of free pre-primary education, implementation remains inconsistent. For example, Uganda, which introduced free primary education in 1997 and free secondary education in 2007, has yet to provide free pre-primary schooling. Research conducted by Human Rights Watch and the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights in Uganda found that exorbitant private school fees for children aged 3 to 5 create a significant obstacle for many families, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
African governments must adopt legal and policy frameworks to ensure universal access to free early childhood education and secondary education. A fully funded and effectively implemented free education policy is essential to achieving educational equality.
Addressing Barriers Facing Girls in Education
One of the biggest challenges to achieving universal education is the systemic discrimination faced by girls. Many girls are forced out of school due to pregnancy, child marriage, or school-related sexual violence. Shockingly, 18 of the 20 countries with the highest child marriage rates are in sub-Saharan Africa. High teenage pregnancy rates further contribute to the exclusion of girls from secondary education.
Sexual and gender-based violence in schools is a significant deterrent for many girls. In several countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Senegal, students—predominantly girls—face sexual exploitation by teachers, school officials, and even public transport drivers in exchange for tuition fees, menstrual hygiene products, and other necessities. In Senegal, concerns about sexual harassment and the risk of pregnancy often lead parents to withdraw their daughters from school prematurely.
Policy Reforms and Support for Pregnant and Parenting Girls
Despite advancements, educational policies for pregnant and parenting students remain inadequate. While 38 African countries have introduced policies supporting their education, many still impose restrictive measures. Some nations criminalize sexual activity outside of marriage, effectively punishing adolescent girls rather than supporting their right to continue their education.
Governments must urgently revise their policies to align with human rights standards, ensuring that pregnant and parenting students are not denied their right to education. Comprehensive social support programs should be implemented to assist young mothers, including financial assistance, childcare facilities, and early childhood education programs.
Ensuring Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Education
Preventing adolescent pregnancies and ensuring the rights of girls requires a commitment to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. Governments must guarantee access to accurate, science-based sexuality education to empower adolescents with knowledge about their bodies, contraception, and reproductive rights. Failing to do so perpetuates cycles of gender inequality and educational exclusion.
A Call to Action
The African Union and its member states have a clear vision for the continent’s future through education. However, urgent action is required to translate commitments into reality. Governments must prioritize free, high-quality education as a fundamental human right and take decisive steps to eliminate financial, legal, and societal barriers to education—especially for girls.
“The African Union’s vision for education is clear,” said Mausi Segun. “African governments must act swiftly to fulfill their promises and ensure that by 2030, every child in Africa has access to free, high-quality education, in full alignment with their human rights obligations.”
By committing to this goal, Africa can lay the foundation for a more equitable, educated, and empowered future for all its children.
