Study to improve training and supply of teachers led by Commonwealth Secretariat

Teacher training and the supply of teachers in five African countries are being addressed by a group of experts in Accra, Ghana between 2 and 5 October 2007.

Education experts will discuss and develop a framework which will map out policies and practices for teacher training in Ghana, Mozambique, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

The group is led by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA).

"The study is an attempt to address the shortage of teachers in some African countries due to a recent rise in the number of students going to primary schools," said Virgilio Juvane, an Education Advisor at the Secretariat.

The working group aims to collate information on the training of teachers and other education personnel for both primary and 'post-primary' education. 'Post-primary' education includes secondary, technical and vocational education and training.

The experts will then identify best practices in the training, recruitment and retention of these teachers. The study will also facilitate an exchange of policy options between the countries involved, four of which are Commonwealth member states.

Findings from the study will be presented at the next ADEA Biennial meeting in 2008. African Ministers of Education, bilateral and multilateral development agencies and other education professionals are expected to attend the ADEA conference, which will focus on both secondary and vocational education.

Key Links:

• Education