Development Ratings

Africa Educational Trust (AET) was founded in 1958 to improve education and training in Africa. Initially, the focus was on scholarships for Africans to study in Europe, especially exiles and refugees from apartheid. A number of early scholars have become senior figures, including leaders in government and academic institutions, UN agencies and at the African Commission. As majority rule developed in several former British colonies in Africa, AET’s focus shifted towards in-country educational support. Work began in Somalia and Sudan in 1996. The majority of work now benefits children and young people in Somalia and Somaliland, Southern Sudan, Swaziland, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.

In parts of Somalia & Southern Sudan, three quarters of children still have no schools to go to. High proportions of adults and young people in these areas are illiterate and 90% of teachers are untrained. Long term civil war has destroyed the school infrastructure. Some 50% of children in parts of Southern Sudan are taught outdoors. Often, pastoralists and girls have reduced educational opportunities, regardless of conflict. A UN estimate is that 33 million children and young people in Africa have never had the opportunity to go to school.

Other organisations providing education and literacy in the key countries are either contracted for different projects, or use programmes such as REFLECT to raise awareness of rights and develop community activities. AET works with Book Aid International (see Development Ratings report) to supply relevant books for libraries.