Youth and Changing Realities: Rethinking Post-basic Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Education should empower young people for full participation in their societies and education systems should be responsive to their voices, aspirations and actions. At this time of upheaval, it is more important than ever that youth voices are heard. This synthesis report analyses the perspectives of post-basic education of some young people from 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Their voices express diverse experiences, aspirations and expectations. They describe ‘changing realities’ in which education and training opportunities often seem unable to meet their aspirations and new demands of the world of work and society. It focusses on four crucial themes for post-basic education, with reference to youth’s experiences: financing, socio-cultural barriers, skills for work and life, and educators’ capacities.

The Education 2030 Framework for Action calls for youth, learners and their organizations to be full partners in the realization of SDG4; to encourage governments and other stakeholders to develop education programmes in consultation with young people; and to help shape policies for relevant and responsive education systems. This synthesis report makes an important contribution towards rethinking post-basic education in sub-Saharan Africa.