Are education systems in Africa geared to the needs of working life?
The education systems inherited from the colonial powers were designed for the formal sector and public administration. In developing countries, however, many people work in the informal sector, so vocational qualifications in trades or retail marketing, for example, are often acquired in informal settings. The awareness is growing of how little formal schooling contributes to making a living in the informal sector. As a consequence, curricula are being modified to provide graduates with better skills for self-employment or starting a business. However, there is certainly still a need for greater recognition of the qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning. In Germany, we are proud of our “dual system” of vocational training which ensures that the gulf between what youngsters learn at school and what employers need does not become too large. Apprentices receive training in companies, and state-run vocational schools provide theoretical backup and general knowledg
