 Do teachers make the grade?School enrolment ratios are a fundamental indicator of a country’s commitment to education, but they tell nothing about the quality of teaching. A pilot survey of 857 primary schools in 14 least developed countries (with GNPs per person below $1,000) sponsored by UNESCO and UNICEF points to teacher education and absenteeism as two areas in dire need of improvement.In 8 of the 14 countries, more than 50% of primary school teachers have only 8 to 11 years of schooling—or less. In Benin, Tanzania and Uganda the rate is above 90%. Benin and Tanzania have compensated for lack of education by training almost all their teachers, but only 50% of Uganda’s teachers are trained. And in Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Togo, more than 25% of teachers have no training. In 9 out of the 14 countries, 10% or more of teachers were absent two or more days during the week before the survey, and in Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia 25% or more were absent. However, the survey counted attendance in training courses among the reasons for absenteeism. Other reasons include teachers’ health, family sickness or other family matters. Most of the countries surveyed face economic distress; however, investment
in education, beginning with the basics, is one of the most important steps
in promoting social progress and economic development.
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