French Educational Policy in Togo and Dahomey

Abstract

In its vastness and richness Africa rivals its sister continents. Because of its wealth it has long commanded attention of Western world. But perhaps greatest significance of Africa is to be found in its possibilities as a proving ground in human relationships-social, economic, and political. Here is one place in a troubled world where mistakes previously committed may be corrected; where, indeed, a new and better civilization may be cultivated through deliberate application of human intelligence and understanding. In this process should play leading r6le. To African, is as significant as magic. In large measure which is permitted him by Western world dominating him holds key to his economic, political, and social future. In increasing degree African himself is made aware of this fact. It may be interpreted as a sign of progress, therefore, that it is no longer an issue in responsible quarters that African shall be afforded an of some kind. True, there are many who still cling steadfastly to belief that African should remain as uneducated as possible. Some of these latter attempt to hide behind romantic sentimentalism that African must be left entirely to his own devices, in a foolish and not always honest glorification of noble savage. This view, of course, ignores completely present irresistible influences at work in Africa. Others, more candid, see native only as a potential labor-supply to be drawn upon at will by white men, and with which his would seriously interfere. Such views, however, are rapidly becoming outmoded. In words of one prominent colonial observer, the cause of generalisation of native has been won.' Most colonial powers now realize that both duty and interest demand that be disseminated generally and that desire of natives for it neither brooks denial nor too great restraint. The fact is that education of African goes on apace with or without schools and schooling. It is as true as it is commonplace to say that native's begins when he makes his first contact with European. The resounding crash of modern industrial system against profoundly more primitive native life -the motor lorries, electric cranes, steam-boats, railroads, commerce, and all other complex paraphernalia of modern industrial life in Western world, which are paraded before startled eyes of African with such kaleidoscopic rapidity-makes it astonishing that he has not been left completely dazed by it all. If Afri-