The strategic objectives of the PAQUET-EF align with the three key pillars set out in the presidential decisions: ¹

• Quality schools: improving the quality of education and training in all its dimensions;
• A school for all: strengthening the coverage, diversification, and equity of education and training at all levels;
• A viable, reliable, and peaceful school: promoting integrated, inclusive, partnership-based, decentralized, transparent, and efficient sector governance.

Policy priorities include:

• Revamping of Education and Training towards the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, skills for economic acceleration, and decent employment for all, the affirmation of cultural identity, and openness to global citizenship;
• New impetus for the equitable coverage of education needs and the success of educational pathways;
• Systemic approach to improving the quality of education that links the skill development chain from preschool to higher education and targets key factors of quality and relevance;
• Development of bold and innovative policies for the promotion and renovation of learning in mathematics, science, and technology;
• Pedagogical integration of ICT to improve learning and system management;
• Adaptation of the education and training supply to the demand of society;
• Development of research and innovation at all levels;
• Establishment of a solid and reliable institutional governance framework.

Governance Structure for Education:  

• The Ministry of National Education oversees preschool, elementary, middle, and general secondary education. It is responsible for developing and implementing educational policies, managing public and private education, ensuring a peaceful school environment, integrating daara (traditional Quranic schools) into the education system, promoting reading, writing, and civic education, ensuring the quality of educational programs and necessary reforms, and maintaining relations with UNESCO. ¹
• The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI) manages higher education, develops and implements the national university map, oversees universities and higher education institutions, and promotes the development of fundamental and applied research in universities, institutes, and national training schools. ²
• The Ministry of Vocational Training is responsible for preparing and implementing policy for technical and vocational training, managing all vocational disciplines and levels, ensuring alignment with the economy, facilitating skill acquisition, maintaining the quality of continuous training, and integrating vocational training within academia while promoting cooperation with the private sector. ³
• The National Quality Assurance Authority for Higher Education, Research and Innovation (ANAQ-SUP) missions including:
  • Defining quality standards for higher education and research.
  • Designing and implementing a quality assurance system.
  • Establishing formal evaluation procedures and criteria.
  • Providing technical advice on authorization and accreditation.
  • Periodically evaluating higher education institutions and research centres.
  • Evaluating training programs, focusing on teaching methods and pedagogy.

The education system structure encompasses: ⁴

• Preschool Education targets children aged 3-5 years, managed by the Ministry of National Education. It focuses on providing early learning and preparation for quality basic education.
• Elementary Education lasts six years and aims to provide foundational knowledge and skills.  
• Lower Secondary Education is a four-year program covering grades 7 to 10.
• Daara Moderne: Aims to provide comprehensive education for children aged 3 to 13, offering tailored learning at both preschool and primary levels. It enhances non-formal and informal education offerings and integrates them into the formal education system through appropriate pathways.
• Upper Secondary Education: Lasts three years and prepares students for higher education or vocational training. It culminates in the Baccalaureate examination, qualifying students for university admission.
• Higher Education: Includes universities, higher education institutes, and vocational training centres. Programs follow the License-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system.

Additional Resources:

• Ministère de l’Education nationale 
• Spotlight on Basic Education Completion and Foundational Learning-Senegal
• UIS Country Profile

Sources:

1. Décret n° 2024-960 relatif aux attributions du Ministre de l'Education nationale
2. Décret n° 2024-954 relatif aux attributions du ministre de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation
3. Décret n° 2024-951 relatif aux attributions du ministre de la Formation professionnelle
4. Programme d'amélioration de la qualité, de l'équité et de la transparence, Education/Formation, 2018-2030 - Ministère de l'Education Sénégal