The NGO Harambee has published a new report on higher education in sub-Saharan Africa.
To do so, it has studied the characteristics of higher education in countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa.
ROSELLA MIRANDA
Harambee Italy
“There is gender inequality, and lack of infrastructure, teachers are underpaid and unable to update curriculum. There is so much to do. But, what is recorded in this study is that there is a great workforce, that is very educated and capable of doing good for society.”
Harambee promotes a cultural communication and awareness project about African countries. For this reason, Harambee also supports projects that Africans carry out in their own countries.
RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ
Harambee Spain
'Harambee pushes for schooling, especially for girls, but for boys as well. There are also many maternity health projects so that no woman has to die because she is pregnant or while giving birth.” “In Côte d'Ivoire, more than 500 children have been helped out of severe malnutrition problems. Each treatment for severe malnutrition costs less than 100 euros. With 80 euros one can save a child's life.”
Since 2002, Harambee has helped more than 80 educational and development initiatives. Next year, it will support another 10 new projects. Each year, Harambee Spain gives the 'African of the Year' award to a woman who has led or initiated a major development project.
RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ
Harambee Spain
'What impresses me the most is what Africans are able to do with the little means they have, that is, they multiply everything by a thousand.”
The good news is that there are countries like Nigeria or South Africa where educational and economic development is improving. Harambee is working to strengthen those improvements.
According to UNESCO, the number of students enrolled in higher education in Africa has doubled in the last 15 years from six million to 12 million. However, access to higher education, particularly for women, remains the lowest regional average in the world.
