Before the country's independence in 1960, a basic education system was in place in the Central African Republic. This system was established by the Catholic Church, as well as by the French government.

After independence, the Central African government took control of the Catholic schools and integrated them into the country's school system.

However, the quality of education has slowly deteriorated since the 1960s, mainly due to lack of government funds. Although the literacy rate officially is at 51% (i.e. at age 15 can read and write), it has been estimated that outside the capital of Bangui, literacy is as low as 13%-15%.

As early as 1998 the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EEL-RCA) began addressing the issue of the lack of primary education within the villages. The church leadership realized that if the EEL-RCA was to have future leaders, education had to be provided for the people where they lived -- in every village. As a result, the EEL-RCA appointed an education committee in 2001 to evaluate the education situation. The committee visited education projects that had already been established by the Catholic Church to ascertain what education model the EEL-RCA should use.

As a result of the evaluation, the church developed a plan for the future of primary education within the villages in areas the church served. The plan is far-reaching, starting with the establishment of an approved school curriculum and examination system, developed in consultation with governmental education authorities. From this, more than 60 new teachers were     trained in areas of basic pedagogical philosophy, organizational and planning skills, teaching methodology/techniques, and lesson planning.

At the village level, parent associations were established in 20 villages. These associations are responsible for hiring teachers and ensuring that the schools operate according to set standards and procedures. All the village communities engage and participate in the education of their children.

Keeping all this in place will remain a challenge. The church developed a plan with regard to matters of finance, management and long-term planning. In-service training for teachers is facilitated, together with provisions for pedagogic and other necessary resources for the teachers and students. In 2007, a total enrollment is around 3,000 students in 65 classes is expected.

Beyond this, a long-range plan to establish 20 new village schools where there were no schools previously has been developed. A plan of action and criteria for the construction of permanent school buildings in the villages that have proven to be able to sustain a viable and well run school has also been set in place.

1. Provide ongoing support for the development of a basic education program to the village communities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic.
2. Provide ongoing support for the ongoing management of the 20 village schools, teacher training, curriculum development, etc.
3. Share the Good News with people in rural areas of the EEL-RCA who might not otherwise be reached.
4. Support the leadership development of future leaders of the EEL-RCA through the provision of basic education in the villages.
5. Provide necessary resources to build permanent school buildings in villages that have demonstrated their capability to sustain a viable, working elementary school within their village.

Education is important to all children: it brings life. Thank you!

For more information on this or other projects you can support, contact the Rev. Twila Schock at 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2641, or by e-mail. You can contribute on-line through ELCA Good Gifts