Study shows most pupils lack Standard Two skills

Less than seven out of 10 children aged 10-16 years in Kenya have mastered Standard Two literacy and numeracy skills, a study has revealed.

The report states that many children across East African are not learning basic literacy and numeracy skills and notes that only two out of 10 pupils in the third year of primary school can read and do basic mathematics at Standard Two level.

“By the time they reach the last year of primary school, one out of four East African children, about 24 per cent still have not acquired these skills,” reveals the report that will be released Wednesday in Nairobi.

Data on learning outcomes, school conditions and households were collected in 2013 in every district across the region through citizen-led household-based assessments. Learning outcomes were assessed among children aged six to 16 through tests set at Standard Two level.

In Kenya, 64 per cent passed both literacy and numeracy tests, 48 per cent in Tanzania and in Uganda 36 per cent. Kenyan districts took 10 positions out of 11. Mbeya Urban in Tanzania topped the ranking.

Among the best districts were Gatundu, Nyeri North, Nairobi East, Laikipia East, Kiambu, Lari, Imenti North, Ruiru, Tigania and Maara. Wealth also appeared to influence learning outcomes in the three countries surveyed, which have large gaps between different wealth groups.

In Kenya, seven out of 10 pupils aged 10, about 16 per cent come from non-poor households, and four out of 10 pupils,  about 44 per cent- those who live below a dollar- passed one literacy and numeracy test.

Despite the large disparities in Kenya, those living under a dollar households in the country still, on average, perform better than non-poor households in Uganda. However, enrolment is high with all three countries having over 90 per cent enrolment rates.

The report notes that learning outcomes are highest in Kenya and lowest in Uganda and within each country, learning outcomes are best in urban and more developed districts and worst in remote rural districts.

The report adds that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have missed the target of having all children access quality learning.

The average Kenyan child outperforms the average Tanzania and Ugandan child by a notable margin.

Compared to their Tanzanian counterparts, Kenyan children are able to pass both tests and nearly 30 per cent more Kenyan children are able to pass both tests.

Reference : www.businessdailyafrica.com