USAID Benin: Education

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USAID-Benin

Director's Corner

Education
Programs
Success Stories

KEY RESULTS

Gross Enrollment Rate

That is, the number of students in primary school nationwide, regardless of age, divided by the number of children in the country between the ages of 6 and 11.

This graph shows the percentage of students enrolled in school in Benin in terms of the number of students (regardless of their age) that are in school compared with the total population aged between 6 and 11, multiplied by 100. In 1990, prior to the beginning of the primary education reform in 1991, enrollment stood at 50%. Children's access to education, especially for girls, was among the aspects that the reform addressed. As a result of the reform's efforts, student enrolment in Benin showed significant improvements as demonstrated by the figures of 1997-2001 which range from 73% to 89%. Chart showing progress of gross enrollment rate prior and after the beginning of the primary education reform in 1991.

Chart showing progress of gross enrollment rate prior and after the beginning of the primary education reform in 1991.

Challenges

Improving the quality of education in Benin while the demand for education continues to grow;
Completing the implementation of the new curriculum up to sixth grade, the last grade of primary school;
Ensuring that teachers understand and apply the new teaching methods;
Increasing girls' enrollment and retention in school;
Producing textbooks for all grades and ensuring textbooks are kept in good condition;
Achieving a real involvement of parents in school management;
Establishing effective management of education resources that is sustainable.

Constraints

Lack of qualified teachers;
High cost of the reform;
Transition of students from experimental schools already using new curriculum to secondary school;
High illiteracy rate among parents.

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