At the time of independence in 1951, only 10% of Libyans were able to read and write and most girls were not permitted to study beyond elementary school. Few schools existed in rural areas. Some people lived nomadic lives and did not stay in one place long enough to send their children to school.
After the discovery of oil in the late 1950s, the improved economy permitted the government to increase funding for education. Under Qaddafi, the government encouraged nomadic and rural people to move to the cities where their children could attend school. Today, the government recognizes the right of all its citizens, including girls, to receive an education.
Education is now mandatory and free for all Libyan children, but schools are still scarce in some rural areas. Children attend elementary school between the ages of 6 and 12. Elementary classrooms are co-educational until children are about 10 years old. Then girls and boys study separately. School uniforms are compulsory.
After elementary school, students attend intermediate school for three years. The curriculum includes Arabic, the Qur'an, Islam, history, geography, math and science. Students also study the Green Book, a book by Muammar Qaddafi in which he explains his political philosophy. All subjects are taught in Arabic.
