A/HRC/38/32/Add.1 74. In May 2017, the Ivorian Government published the latest statistics, for the period 2012–2017.8 These show that the gross primary enrolment ratio, which is based on the total school-age population, has risen to 104.6 per cent, compared with 89 per cent in 2011. The net enrolment ratio, which concerns only children aged between 6 and 11 years old, is 91 per cent. 75. These statistics also show that the primary school completion rate rose from 59.1 to 75 per cent between 2012 and 2016, and from 52 to 71.6 per cent for girls. The rates of completion of lower and upper secondary education rose by 9 per cent and 3.3 per cent, respectively, between 2011 and 2016. The percentage of girls who reach the fourth year of secondary education rose from 30 to 42 per cent. 76. The Government has taken measures to increase the overall proportion of girls who enrol in school, remain in education and succeed in their studies. Some progress has been made towards reducing the gender gap in primary and secondary school enrolment. D. Measures to promote technical education and vocational training 77. Côte d’Ivoire has adopted a strategic action plan for 2017–2020 to raise the standard of vocational training. Under this plan, the range of courses available will be expanded and course curricula will be progressively revised, in close collaboration with the private sector. 78. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the Government planned to build, renovate and better equip vocational training facilities, in an effort to increase access to and improve the quality of technical education and vocational training in Côte d’Ivoire. Three centres that have fallen into disrepair will be renovated and new centres will be built, taking into account local economic capacities. 79. In order to improve the governance of vocational training facilities, eight establishments will be set up as part of a pilot project involving the private sector, with the aim of reducing youth unemployment by promoting technical education and vocational training. The Government has expressed its intention to invest heavily in this area as of 2020 and to create an environment in which more children choose to undertake vocational training. The aim of this initiative is to increase the vocational training rate from 14 per cent in 2017 to 50 per cent in 2050. The Government is also keen to help trainees to find employment. In order to achieve this, these young people must pursue a course that offers access to the labour market. The courses taught in the schools that are part of the pilot project will be more practical than theoretical. There are plans to set up a training course that leads to a qualification for children who are unable to attend school, children who have been excluded from school and people without qualifications. This course will be taught in mobile classrooms over a period of six months. 80. The Minister of State reported that the Government is trying to change the image of vocational training and encourage students to pursue it by choice, the aim being to ensuring access to the labour market for as many young people as possible. 81. During her visits to technical schools, the Special Rapporteur noted that the infrastructure was adequate but the equipment used in lessons was in a bad state. In addition, there is not enough collaboration with the industrial and informal sectors and many of the students who graduate from technical schools are reportedly unable to find paid work. E. Innovation and good practices in the Ivorian education system 82. The Ministry of National Education, Technical Education and Vocational Training has drawn up fact sheets on innovation and good practices in the Ivorian education system. 8 GE.18-06824 See http://news.abidjan.net/h/616059.html. 13