Academic and administrative authorities in Ziguinchor, along with education stakeholders, have shared the findings of the regional review of the sectoral education and training program. This annual exercise allows for an in-depth analysis of school performance and the search for solutions ahead of the end-of-year examinations.

Diagnosis of Academic Results

The meeting shed light on the real problems within the regional education system through a detailed examination of results from elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Overall, performance is deemed satisfactory, but notable shortcomings persist at the high school level. While the CFEE (Elementary School Leaving Certificate) and BFEM (Middle School Diploma) show respective pass rates of 91% and 82%, the baccalaureate (high school diploma) has seen a drop with only a 38.42% success rate. This result is below the national average of 40% for 2025.

"These results reflect the efforts made in preschool, elementary, and middle school, while highlighting the persistent challenges at the general high school level," commented Alsény Bangoura, the Deputy Governor in charge of development. He noted that despite the progress recorded, significant challenges remain in high school, particularly in steering students towards scientific disciplines.

He also praised local initiatives to encourage excellence, such as those carried out in the Bignona department with the IEF 1 and IEF 2 (Inspection of Education and Training).

Governance and Community Involvement

The Inspector of Academy for Ziguinchor, Papa Gourgui Ndiaye, for his part, emphasized performance related to enrollment. Gross enrollment rates (GER) are considered satisfactory at all levels: preschool ranks among the best nationally, elementary school exceeds 100%, and middle and high school levels show encouraging results.

Regarding governance, he called for greater community involvement in the management of schools. "The results shown are satisfactory, but the plenary session has set a higher standard. Beyond the numbers showing that management committees are functional, communities must become more involved," he explained.

Recommendations were made to strengthen awareness and encourage more active community involvement in managing the education sector. The goal is to consolidate gains and address persistent challenges, particularly at the baccalaureate level.