Education in Djibouti - An Overview

The Republic of Djibouti is a developing nation in Africa. The education system in Djibouti is not in good shape. For many children, formal education ends with Qur'an schools. The Roman Catholic clergy and state are responsible for functionalities of primary schools. 

The secondary level education is limited and depends on facilities provided by the state. A small vocational training program is also offered.  Approximately one-fifth population living in Djibouti is literate. 

Djibouti has joined UNESCO on August 31, 1989. The UNESCO helped Djibouti to set up an extra-budgetary project to support reform of the country's educational system.

The UNICEF runs "Basic Education and Gender Equality" program which focuses on three key areas- Equal access to school facilities; the quality of primary education and the non-formal education. The program has the purpose to make sure that atleast 93% of school age children 6 through 11 years age should have access to quality education.

Pre Primary Education – The duration of Pre Primary education is two years. This is start of formal education in a child’s life in Djibouti.

Primary School – The primary schools in Djibouti offers 5 years of Basic education, Class 1 through 5. The Gender parity index for gross enrollment rate in primary education is 0.88 in 2008.Private enrollment share in primary education is 13.6%in 2008.

Middle School- Middle School offers 4 years of education, i.e. Class 6 to 9. The Gender parity index for gross enrollment rate in middle education is 0.72 in 2008. Private enrollment share of general education in middle education is 9.7% in 2008.

Secondary Education – The students who successfully complete middle school education get access to secondary education across different schools in Djibouti. General Secondary Education comprises 3 years of study. Technical Secondary Education lasts for 3 years whether vocational secondary education finishes in two years time. At this stage candidates decide whether one should pursue higher education or start working according to his / her qualification in secondary level schooling.

Youth of Djibouti who completes secondary level qualification and obtain baccalaureate can apply for under graduate programs. As an alternative route, several students also look towards European nations for higher education.

The deserving and needy students are provided scholarships in various formats, for example; need based scholarships, merit scholarships, interests free scholarship loan. These scholarships are offered through different government, private agencies of national and international repute.