The primary school leaver in Africa

This article examines the implications of principles enunciated in two phrases which have relevance generally in Africa: ‘Primary Education is not an end in itself but only a means to an end’ and ‘every child of average ability and normal age should be able to look forward to passing through the primary to a secondary school and a rewarding career’. The dilemma and the crux of the problem lies in the fact that now – and for many years to come – the resources of all underdeveloped countries will bo inadequate to support the provision of secondary education for all, the hopes raised by the second phrase – encouraging every pupil in a primary school (for there are no pupils of less than average ability in their own on their parents’ estimation) to expect a secondary education – and thereafter a successful career – are doomed to frustration in the great majority of cases.