Access to Learning

The education sector in Guinea-Bissau faces a systemic learning crisis that severely compromises the potential of future generations. Only 12% of children aged 7 to 14 possess foundational reading skills, and just 7% demonstrate foundational numeracy skills. Around 28% of school-aged children are out of school, and only 27% complete primary education.

Access to pre-school education is extremely limited, with only 14% of children attending. Regional disparities are stark: 53.5% in Bissau compared to just 3% in Bafatá. Only one in four schools offers the full six-year cycle of primary education, contributing to dropouts and grade repetition.

Schools lack qualified teachers, learning materials, water and sanitation facilities, and sufficient classrooms. These gaps disproportionately affect girls, children with disabilities, and those living in rural and remote areas.

UNICEF’s Response

UNICEF works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and national partners to ensure the right to education and to build a more inclusive and equitable school system. Our interventions combine direct on-the-ground response with strategic investments in strengthening the national system.

Early Childhood Education

UNICEF supported the implementation of the new national pre-school curriculum, with 550 educators trained in play-based learning methodologies. The programme reached approximately 13,000 children during a pilot phase, supported 7,835 pre-school enrollments, and trained 467 early childhood educators.

Teacher Support

UNICEF strengthened the capacities of primary school teachers, focusing on classroom assessment practices. In 2025, 4,282 teachers were supported in conducting assessments aligned with national regulations.

Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children

An accelerated learning pilot programme enrolled 500 out-of-school and over-age children. Through the Interactive Radio Instruction programme, 1,555 children in remote areas of Gabú and Bafatá benefited from lessons that combine pre-recorded broadcasts with facilitated community discussion.