Author(s): Dr Fadogoni Diallo, Dr Issa Bouare, Idrissa Traore, Massa Diakite, Mohamed AG Marou Dicko
In Mali, education is a national priority, and teaching is compulsory under the conditions laid down by law (Article 6 of Law 99 - 046 of 28 December 1999, the Education Orientation Law). Despite the efforts made by various governments to improve school provision, disparities persist and the universal schooling advocated in the Jomtien Declaration (Thailand, 1990) seems to be a mirage. The country is still finding it difficult to meet the education needs of all school-age children and to eliminate disparities based on gender or living conditions. The aim of this study is to improve our knowledge of the obstacles to children's access to school by supporting the State's efforts to achieve Education for All (EFA). Two methods of analysis were used: descriptive and explanatory. At the end of the study, it was found that there is a disparity in school enrolment between the regions of Mali. Poor children in the Centre and North regions (Mopti; Ménaka ; Taoudéni and Kidal) are less likely to attend school than those in the Kayes region. There is also a disparity between rural and urban areas, where urban children are more likely to attend school than those in rural areas. With regard to the characteristics of poor children and school attendance, the analysis reveals an inequality in school attendance between girls and boys. Girls are less likely to attend school than boys. There is also discrimination between the head of household's own children and the other children in the household. The other children in the household are less likely to attend school than the children of the head of household. The study shows that early marriage, child labour and children with disabilities are contributing factors to poor children not attend ing school. With regard to the characteristics of the head of household, it is revealed that when the household is headed by a woman, children are more likely to attend school. In addition, the level of education of the head of household contributes to children's enrolment when it is high. The availability and quality of education improves school attendance among poor children.