Private schooling for the poor? International research raises new questions for South Africa
- Private schools in slums in Africa and Asia generate learning outcomes on a par with public schools at far lower cost and with fewer facilities.
- In South Africa, there is a growing number of independent low-fee schools servicing poor learners in informal settlements, inner cities, former townships, and remote rural areas. More than 400 000 learners, 70% of whom are black, are educated in 1 900 registered private schools and in an unknown number of unregistered private schools.
- Many people argue that the only way for children in poor countries to receive a basic education is through larger education budgets or more international aid for public schools.
- That view, however, ignores the crucial role that private education can play, and is already playing, in meeting the educational needs of the poor.
- Many parents prefer private schools in slums to local public schools because of the underperformance, impoverished learning and teaching culture, and shoddy management at many public schools.
