CAR: A day in the life of a school child

In the Central African Republic, a country of 623,000 square km and 3.5 million inhabitants, the education system experiences a high disparity among boys and girls (39 per cent of net enrolment for girls and 46 per cent for boys). This difference is mainly explained by socio-cultural factors. Since girls’ education is perceived by many as a meaningless investment for the family and the community. However, many families do appreciate the importance of education for girls and boys. Josiane Pounoua, age 14 is one girl whose family believes in the value of education.