A recent poll undertaken by Learn Now Distance Learning College, has concluded that in most parts of Africa, girls struggle to have access to an education. Whilst there has been an improvement over the years, millions of girls are still missing out on attending school. Reasons for this can include poverty, early marriage, cultural beliefs and safety.
This is disappointing to hear when you think of what these individuals could be capable of if given the chance. If all girls were able to gain an education, they would be able to apply for jobs such as a teacher, nurse, lawyer or leader within their own community. They would earn a better wage and have more control over their lives becoming more independent. In turn, they would be able to take better care of their families and help grow a stronger community.
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Changes are happening
Enrolment rates in Eastern and Southern African primary schools for girls are increasing, and the gender gap is closing. Also, governments are removing or reducing school fees to help less well-off girls stay in school.
There are still some social attitudes who believe girls schooling is less valuable, but community projects are helping parents, community leaders and traditional authorities understand the importance of education.
Online Schooling to help some learners
For some girls it is not possible to attend school. One reason is concerns over safety. Some girls live in remote places where transport to and from school isn’t safe. Schools in rural or remote areas may also lack facilities such as textbooks, desks, trained teachers and toilets.
IGCSE and A Levels Online for African learners
We mentioned earlier that primary school gaps are narrowing, however there is still unfair gender treatment for girls at secondary and university level. Online learning can be an alternative option for many learners.
Online learning is delivered through a portal provided the user has access to the internet. It can consist of video tutorials, learning materials, eBooks and assessments. Therefore, girls, even in remote areas, would be able to complete their education from the safety of their home or at a local internet café.
Learn Now Distance Learning college, trusted IGCSE course provider, offers Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel awarding bodies and centres to sit exams within Africa. International A Levels, also come under these awarding bodies. The IGCSE and A Level is internationally recognised and accepted by universities worldwide. Many learners within Africa take IGCSEs and A Levels with Learn Now and apply to universities within the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Africa and beyond.
Learners can choose between 3-4 A Level subjects which helps them narrow down their interests and focus on what career they want to pursue in the future. Courses are in English which prepares learners for English speaking courses at university. The course also helps improve communication and employability.
A Levels are considered a preferred qualification when applying to universities due to the thorough curriculum teaching learners a deep subject knowledge, analytical thinking and independent learning.
The benefits of online learning for these learners can include:
- Remote learning – girls in rural or unsettled areas can access education without travelling long distances.
- Less resources required – Schools can be under-resourced and distance learning provides all resources required.
- Flexibility – Girls juggling other responsibilities such as family or childcare can tailor studies to their needs.
- Safety and comfort – Individuals will be able to study in the safety of their own home.
- Reasonably priced – Fees include all study materials and no need for school uniforms.
- Improve digital skills – An online course will prepare learners with digital skills helping them if they decide to move onto a degree at university.
Applying with IGCSEs and A Levels to a University within Africa.
Most universities within Africa will ask for APS (Academic Performance Score) points. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs / A Levels can be converted to APS points for University. Equivalences are as follows:
International GCSEs equivalent to:
- BGCSE – Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education
- LGCSE – Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education
- NSSC O-Level – Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary level
- ZimSec O-Level – Zimbabwe Secondary Education Ordinary level
International AS Levels equivalent to:
NSSC AS- level – Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Higher level / Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary level
When learners are applying to a university within Africa, they will need to check entry requirements, any admission tests required and any English language requirements.
Overall, online learning for IGCSEs and A Levels can open doors for girls within Africa. Not only would it be a high-quality education, but they benefit learners where their current education system is disrupted or weak. Online learning can provide a stable learning environment leading learners onto University programmes worldwide.
