"The Oxford Encyclopedia of School Reform" is a monumental publication that provides a wide-ranging collection of school reform strategies from several geographical regions around the world. It illustrates both the theory and practical outcomes of reform efforts situated in different cultural contexts. The major theme that runs through…

The current Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to about 220 countries of the world and has resulted in a significant number of deaths globally. Infections are still on the rise, and the impact on the global death rate could be devastating. There are fears over the likely impact of a large number of deaths on body sourcing and…

In most parts of the world today, the goal of providing all children with free and Universal Primary Education (UPE) has received broad national and international support and some educational systems have evolved from predominantly "fee-charging" towards "fee-free" status in recent times. In Ghana, for example, the endorsement…

Hole-in-the-Wall as a concept has attracted worldwide attention. It involves providing unconditional access to computer-equipped kiosks in playgrounds and out-of-school settings, children taking ownership of their learning and learning driven by the children's natural curiosity. It is posited that this approach, which is being used in India,…

Reviews the history and development of distance education in Africa. Highlights include the expansion in formal education; language diversity and competing interests; the role of intergovernmental agencies; infrastructure deficiencies; political considerations; social considerations; and possible solutions to problems. (Author/LRW)

African higher education is currently facing tremendous challenges. The pressure and demand for access is huge. This is understandable against the background of traditionally low participation, low success and throughput rates, declining financial contributions from governments and donors, and critical pressures for efficiency, modernization,…

A meeting on book development in Africa was convened by Unesco at Accra, 13-19 February 1968, to help formulate a programme of action. It was attended by participants from 23 African countries as well as from a number of other Member States and international organizations. The meeting was part of a long-range programme adopted by Unesco to assist…

Examines the structure, role, and needs of Africa's national and intracontinental transportation system. Characteristics of rail, water, road, and air transportation are examined. The conclusion is that high investment in transportation systems is essential to the development process. (Author/KC)

This discussion of the oral history and oral tradition of Africa covers the nature of oral archives, theoretical objections to validity of oral tradition and oral history as historical sources, value of oral archives for African countries, accessibility of oral archives, and strategies for improved access. Footnotes are provided. (EJS)

Describes the formidable problems confronting sub-Saharan universities such as increased enrollment, fiscal challenges, quality issues, and rising graduate unemployment, and how private universities are increasingly seen as an alternative. Examines the challenges and opportunities facing these private universities. (EV)

Isolates four fundamental prohibitive factors with regard to bibliographic control in East Africa: (1) underdeveloped local book production industry; (2) large quantities of relevant materials scattered in overseas libraries; (3) underdeveloped library and information infrastructure with shortage of manpower and expertise; and (4) shortage of…

Reviews the dismal state of Mali's educational system: extreme poverty, 95 percent adult illiteracy, low school enrollment rates, inefficiency, poor quality and inappropriate curricula at all educational levels, exclusive use of French, and top-heavy higher education that burdens the state and produces unemployed graduates. (SV)

Six general recommendations reflect the findings from this final report on subject analysis of African and Asian library materials: (1) more specificity of headings, especially subdivisions and unique terms, are needed; (2) more attention should be given to Asian and African materials, using available expertise; (3) efforts to eliminate offensive…

The government is the largest collector and disseminator of records and documents in Sub Saharan Africa. Traditionally, the bulk of the information has been paper-based. The advent of information technology brought about digital formats. Plans for ensuring the survival of digital information are inadequate. In fact, instances have been reported…

Examines problems with archives and records management in Africa. Highlights include a lack of resources; poor management; inappropriate staff and inappropriate training; lack of effective tools and techniques; and suggested solutions, including support from top management, a change in archivists' attitudes, better staff selection and training,…