Ophelis S. Lumogda: Africa's Educational System

I have never thought that Africa is as developed and competitive in
terms of education like the other countries in the world .What I had thought
before that the education and literacy rate of this country is backward, at the
bottom and far from the others. Had it not of the discussion of the presenter
last Saturday in our Comparative Studies class such impression would remain.

The educational system in Africa is comparable to the other progressive
countries in the world. The basic education is compulsory and funded by the
government. Their basic education in the elementary is divided into junior and
senior primary school. In the junior primary years children are taught on how
to read, write, calculate and basic knowledge of a second language. When they
reach the senior primary years the students learn mathematics ,history,
geography , science and enhance themselves in their oral and written proficiency
both in their first and second language. Their curriculum does not only focus on
the academics but also on the skill .The students are taught needlework
,woodcraft, handy craft and woodwork or art.

The Secondary Education runs from grade 10 to 12 .After completing the
12th grade or the Senior Secondary Education ,the students are given a written
examination that covers a minimum of six subject to obtain the Senior
certificate. And their classes start from January to December and split into
four terms.

On the other hand, the higher education provide education and training
opportunities for students after the senior secondary level who have graduated
with the appropriate secondary level certificates, diplomas, or degrees to
qualify for admission.

The curriculum of the African educational system is based on the
concept of OUTCOMES BASED EDUCATION (OBE). The principle or concept of OBE
curriculum views learning as an interactive process between and among educators
and learners on which the learners would be at the center and the teacher as
facilitator. It also stresses cooperative learning especially group work on
common tasks. In addition, the OBE curriculum focuses on what learners should
know and do.

The concept of education of Africa and even some innovations used for
learning is similar to other progressive countries such as Philippines. In fine,
our country still in the frontline and competitive in terms of education.