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The Senegalese education system is based on its French equivalent. The state is responsible for the creation of an educational system that enables every citizen access to education. Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution adopted in January 2001 guarantee access to education for all children. However, due to limited resources and low demand for secular education in areas where Islamic education is more prevalent, the law is not fully enforced.

Primary and secondary education
Determined on February 16th 1991, official law n° 91-22 states three main objectives concerning Senegalese education. Firstly the educational system should create conditions that enable development within the entire nation, by creating capable men and women who can work efficiently in order to improve their nation, and who have a specific interest in Senegal’s economic, social and cultural development. Secondly the educational system should promote Senegal’s values, those being liberty, democracy, personal and civic morality, human rights, and the upholding of Senegalese society’s laws and regulations. Lastly the educational system should enhance the nation’s culture by creating men and women who actively participate in national activities, who possess the ability to effectively reflect on problems, and who can contribute to the advancement of science.

Education is compulsory and free up to the age of 16. In 2002, the gross primary enrolment rate was 80%, and the net primary enrolment rate was 67.6%. Gross and net enrolment rates are based on the number of students formally registered in primary school and therefore do not necessarily reflect actual school attendance. In 2000, 41.2% of children ages 5 to 14 years were attending school. Primary school attendance statistics are not available for Senegal. As of 2001, 80% of children who started primary school were likely to reach grade 5.

The Ministry of Labor has indicated that the public school system is unable to cope with the number of children that must enroll each year. As a result, many school-age children seek education and training through more informal means. A large number apprentice themselves to a shop, where they receive no wages. One government official estimated there are 100,000 children apprenticed in Dakar. The Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD) reports that as of 2001, 32.7% of children age 10–14 had begun their professional lives.

In 2000 Senegalese governments and authorities set out to make revision to the educational system. Senegal’s Ten-Year Education and Training Program (PDEF) facilitated this reform within the United Nations special initiatives for Africa. In 2000 Senegal published an announcement stating the country’s educational goals for the 2000-2010 decade. The reform was composed of several goals. Firstly, increasing access to education throughout the country. Secondly, the creation of an educational system that was pertinent to all classes of Senegalese people. Thirdly the creation/revision of an effective relationship between politics and education. Lastly the reorganization of resource acquisition and use. The government’s 2010 goal was the actualization of a nationally cohesive education system.

Preschool
In Senegal preschool is provided for children ages 3-5, for up to three years of study. Children who attend preschool have the opportunity to enroll in induction courses at the age of six years old instead of having to wait until they are seven. In Senegal preschool is not obligatory. According to article 10, law n° 91-22 decreed February 16th 1991 Senegal’s preschool education system has two goals. To consolidate children’s identities by anchoring them in the national languages and cultural values. Also to develop their motor skills, intellects, and social skills in order to develop their personalities and create a strong foundation for their future learning. Since 2007 there has been a focus on DIPE (développement intégré de la petite enfance). DIPE is a national priority for Senegal is based on the needs of the nations’ children. In 2007, 57% or preschools and 36.9% of daycares were in Dakar.

Primary School
Primary school is designed for children ages 7 to 12. The Senegalese primary education system divides six years of study into three cycles of two years that culminate in the successful completion of the CFEE (Certificate of Elementary Completion) and an entrance test into the next cycle of education. For children enrolled in the education system, attendance is mandatory until the completion of second year elementary course. Article 11, law n° 91-22 dating February 16th 1991 states the Senegalese primary education goals. The curriculum places an emphasis on French grammar and reading, math and science, and geography, with lest time being dedicated to arts education.

Middle School
Middle school education is aimed at students ages 13, and is composed of four years of study. To successfully pass middle school students must succeed on their BFEM (brevet de fin d’études moyennes). Article 12, law n° 91-22 instated on February 16th 1991 states the objectives of middle school in Senegal. In 2007 624 public middle schools were registered, while 376 private middle schools were registered. Of these schools 58.4% were centralized in urban areas, with 51.4% residing in Dakar, Thiès, and Ziguinchor.

High School
Senegalese secondary education can be “general” or technical (adhering to the standards of the French system of the lycée). These secondary study programs last three years and are officially approved by the French baccalaureate. The technical secondary education program culminates in the passing of the BEP (brevet d’études professionnelles) and the BT (brevet de technicien). Senegal’s objectives for secondary education are listed in article 12, law n° 91-22. While middle school education is for the most part uniform, secondary education offers four streams: general, long technical, short technical, and professional.

Multigrade Teaching
Because of low population density, multigrade teaching is of particular significance in Sub- Saharan Africa. Although it is already an integral part of the education system in Senegal, the use of multigrade teaching is expected to increase along with efforts and strategies aimed to provide education for all Senegalese children. Multigrade teaching is perceived by some to be a “second-rate” educational system. In Senegal 18% of schools have multigrade classes and 10% of children attending primary schools are in multigrade classes. There are two models of multigrade teaching in Senegal. The first being the more common model, consisting of one teacher teaching two consecutives grades at once. The other model is referred to as Ecole à Classe Unique and consists of one teaching working with up to six grades simultaneously. Multigrade schools usually reflect poor outcomes in the CFEE (Certificate of Elementary Completion) examination at the end of the year, with a 44% pass rate in Kaolack, 34% pass rate in Mbour, and finally a 46% pass rate in Mbacke.

Koranic Schools
Senegalese state schools do not offer religious education, so children are sent to Koranic school in lieu. There is little data on Koranic education in Senegal. There is no defined structure for Koranic schools in Senegal. In 1999 World Bank identified three levels: The aim of the Koranic school is to teach children to be good Muslims. In certain forms of Senegalese Koranic schooling children are fostered out to Koranic masters, and because of this they often are forced to become beggars in order to feed themselves. Understanding Children’s Work estimates that 90% of children beggars in Senegal are students of this type of Koranic education. However this sort of Koranic education is a minority in Senegal. Usually Koranic schools in Senegal are in the Form of Franco-Arab schools and are professional schools that balance French education and religious teaching.
 * The primary Koranic level: children are given basic knowledge of the Koran.
 * The secondary Koranic level: children have large portions of the Koran memorize, and are taught Islamic science.
 * Higher Koranic studies: very few reach this level, taught by prominent Islamic masters, usually in prestigious Islamic universities.

Higher education
Senegal's main Universities include Cheikh Anta Diop University (formerly Dakar University) in the capital of Dakar and Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis. University level instruction is only in French.

Challenges facing Senegalese Education
In 1992 approximately 54 000 Senegalese youths were suspected to be apprentices in the workforce rather than in school. Although the legal age for these sorts of apprenticeships is supposed to be 15 it is believed that there are much younger children involved in the workforce. Children who live in rural parts of the country are also at a disadvantage, and usually work in agriculture instead of attending school. There is also a focus on increasing enrolment among young Senegalese girls, although in the past few year enrolment rates have elevated.