Africa is a continent divided. Unlike much of Europe and Asia, the divisions of Africa, were created by the borders left by a colonial legacy and are yet, if ever, to be resolved. With nations divided by these historic boundaries, the peoples of Africa often receive lip service to what the rest of the world sees as education. Knowledge is power, and will therefore be retained by the few who are in a position to control its distribution.

There can be no free education! Payment has to evolve or transpire from somewhere, and in the the end this payment will come from those who require and indeed, desire education. In Africa, education can, has been, and is used as a political tool. The quality of education received by the masses has not improved since the demise of colonial controls. In many areas it has declined, why, because finance earmarked for specific educational projects finds itself disappearing into the quagmire of what is seen as more important projects and indeed, into the hands of those who have little concern for the education of the masses.

The more the world passes unqualified assistance into the black hole of African uncertainty, the less the masses will benefit. The whole idea of free universal education is both unrealistic, and naive to say the least. Africa needs to create the resources, skills and facilities from its own desire to succeed in educational projects. No matter how benevolent and well intentioned the outside world might be, Africa requires the desire to come from within. Africa needs to educate Africa, and Africa needs to create an environment which encourages the need to educate. There are countries in Africa who understand and see the need to develop more resources specifically for the purpose of educating its masses, but regrettably they are in the minority.

With few or no exceptions, the children of Africa thirst for knowledge, and will go to any lengths to achieve it. They walk miles, burn midnight candles, and devour whatever material comes their way. It is sad but true however, until corruption, mismanagement and beaurocratic incompetence is managed within the borders of many African countries, the idea of free education can only remain a pipe dream.

The best the rest of the world can do, is train African educators to both educate and train the peoples of Africa. Africa’s free education, must transpire and come from Africa.