To better meet the rising demand for data, the UIS works with regional partners to develop new indicators and data collections designed to support programme design and policy making to improve the quality of education. These specialized data collections enable participating countries to benchmark progress towards regional education goals by focusing on issues not covered by the regular UIS annual education survey.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Measuring the quality of school conditions and teaching resources
The quality of education is one of the critical factors affecting the learning outcomes of young people. While education quality is difficult to define, it is shaped by factors such as class size, the availability of textbooks and access to basic services, including potable water, sanitation and electricity.
In order to get a better picture of the challenges facing schools in sub-Saharan Africa, the UIS is working with the Pan African Institute of Education for Development (IPED) and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) to develop a regional data collection to monitor progress on education priorities articulated in the African Union’s Second Decade of Education.
Launched in 2011, 36 of 45 countries completed the first survey, shedding light on the teaching and learning environments in public schools in the region. In light of the positive response, the survey has been extended to all African countries.
Click on the gallery below to view some of the key findings