development and expansion which characterized the 1960s, im­ mediately after the inder-endence of most of the countries, has become increasinc;ly difficult. Educational costs have risen con­ siderably. The school-age population has also been growing rapidly. 21. The aim of free universal primary education now seems dif­ ficult to reacr1 for many countries. Nonetheless, progress has been impressive. Between 1960 and 1978 tr1e proportion of the population of primary school age enrolled in schools rose from 36 per ccn t to 6 3 per cent. The pro port ion in secondary schools also rose from 3 per cent to 13 per cent. The proportion in univer~ ities and other higher educational institutions is now about 1 per cent. In all three categories there are fewer femaleE than males in school, although the gap is narrowing. 22. At the r-rimary level, such countries as Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Togo and the United Republic of Cameroon have virtual­ ly attained their goals. On the other hand, at least 13 142 E/ECA/CM.9/5 countries have enrolment rates well below 50 per cent. For most countries the bottle-neck occurs at the secondary level, where school places are limited and about 60-80 per cent of those leav­ ing the primary schools are left out. 23. This means that for the vast majority of young people, primary education is the only education they will get. Primary curricula have been much criticized: drop-outs from the system seem unsuited for most jobs because their schooling has oriented them to white-collar jobs without adequate specific preparation for them. Many join the ranks of the unemployed feeling frustrated and bitter. The answer proposed by some countries is to keep them in school for two more years to mature a little and upgrade their education. Other countries have tried continuation education to prepare them for a trade. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges and progress of educational development in various countries, particularly in Africa. It highlights the issues of rising educational costs, growing school-age population, and limited school places, which lead to a significant proportion of students not being able to continue their education beyond primary level. The text also touches upon the quality of education, the lack of preparation for the workforce, and the proposed solutions to address these issues.

**Category**
Education, Employment