Chapter Seven Education, Leisure Time and Cultural Activities Articles (11) (12) of the Charter Education policies in Sudan adopted the principles of open opportunities to all, gender equality, geographical balance in the provision of inputs, the nationality of curricula and continuous revision, development and improvement of curricula. Objectives of education, as outlined in the Planning and Organization of Education Act, 2001, include strengthening the spirit of nationhood and loyalty to the homeland, development of preparedness for cooperation, promulgation of the culture of peace, respect for cultural diversity, encouragement of brilliancy and capacity and skills building through the creation of training opportunities, achievement of comprehensive development and enhancing environment awareness of young people. A. Training, Vocational Training and Guidance: The National Interim Constitution of the Republic of the Sudan, 2005 provided in Article 22 that elementary and secondary education and the administration of education is one of the competencies of respective states. Article 13-1-a stipulates “The State shall promote education at all levels all over the Sudan and shall ensure free and compulsory education at the primary level and in illiteracy eradication programs”. To implement this Ministerial Decree was issued in 2005 establishing a committee to revise all legislations governing the education process to make it commensurable with the provision of the Constitution and the CPA. Article 28 of the Child Act, 2010 provided for the right of the child to free and compulsory education while Article 30 obliged rewarding outstanding children in academic, cultural and artistic fields. Pre-school Education: Enrollment in pre-school education (4-5 years) rose from 26.4% to 30.2%. Enrollment percentage of boys rose from 26.7% to 31.1% in 2008-2009. The number of pre-school institutions rose by 2,285 institutions compared with 2007 figures to reach 13,925 in 2008-2009. Basic Level Education: Enrollment dropped from 68.7% in 2007 to 66.1% in 2008 for both genders. Percentage of boys dropped from 73.9% to 64.6% while percentage of girls rose from 63.4% to 64.6%. Number of basic level education institutions reached 180,052. To encourage enrollment the Ministry of Education in coordination with the Ministry of Health exempted pupils not in possession of birth certificates to enroll first and issued with the certificate later. Secondary Level Education: The number of male students rose from 361,400 in 2007 to 409,238 in 2008 (an increase of 47,838 students – 13.2%). The number of female students rose from 319,367 in 2007 to 374,347 in 2008 (an increase of 54,980 students – 17.2%). The number of schools dropped by 20 because of deficiency is some states. Percentage of enrollment dropped from 29.6% to 29.4% for male students and rose from 26.3% to 29.4% for female students. The overall enrollment percentage rose from 28% in 2007 to 29.7 in 2008. 45