Education and Literacy in Africa

Literacy Rate in General A country’s Literacy Rate means the percentage of people in that country over the age of fifteen who can read or write. It is used as a measure of a country’s education system. Literacy gives people access to better jobs and can lead to higher standards of living. More developed countries tend to have a higher literacy rate.

Africa and its Literacy Rate The literacy rate of Africa as a whole is 50%. African leaders agree that a quality education for all children will be a key to improving living conditions in Africa. Factors such as poverty and war can limit children’s access to education.

Kenya Kenya’s literacy rate is over 87%. Kenya’s literacy rate is higher than most other Sub Saharan countries. The only exception is South Africa who has a literacy rate of 93%. In Kenya, the government has worked hard to make free public schools available to all its citizens. While a lack of money has limited Kenya’s success, the country’s educational system has improved greatly since Kenya gained independence in 1963.

Sudan Sudan’s literacy rate is about 72% The government of Sudan requires that all children from ages 6 to 13 attend school. Access to school varies throughout the country. Most schools are located in urban areas. Fewer girls attend school than boys. The literacy rate in Sudan is 81% for the men and 63% for the women. Southern Sudan has been devastated by civil war. Many children in Southern Sudan have no access to schools.