CRC/C/15/Add.269 page 14 Plan of Rural and Agricultural Development and a National Plan for Economic Development. Notwithstanding the existence of programmes such as the Highly Labour-intensive Public Works programme, the Standard Solidarity Allowance and the community development programme to combat poverty and different forms of marginalization and social exclusion, the Committee remains concerned about the low standard of living of children, especially in the rural areas. 61. In light of article 27 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Take effective measures to raise the standard of living among its population, particularly rural populations living in poverty, inter alia by implementing the aforementioned national plans and community participation programmes, including with the participation of children; (b) Consider preparing a poverty reduction strategy with special emphasis on vulnerable children and their families; and (c) Strengthen its efforts to provide support and material assistance to disadvantaged children and their families. 6. Education, leisure and cultural activities Education, including vocational training and guidance 62. The Committee welcomes the fact that all children aged 6 to 16 years, including non-national children, are entitled to compulsory and free education without any discrimination. While noting with appreciation the generally increasing literacy rates among youth, the Committee is concerned that the literacy rate of girls does not keep pace with the increasing literacy of boys. 63. The Committee takes note of the early childhood care and education provided by preparatory schools (écoles préparatoires), kindergartens (jardins d’enfants) and nursery schools (classes enfantines). While noting that the gross enrolment ratio in pre-primary education has increased, the Committee is concerned that only a minority of children participate in pre-primary education, particularly in the rural areas. 64. While commending the State party for its efforts to increase enrolment in primary education, the Committee is concerned about the disparities in the enrolment rate between wilayas and the high repetition rates. The Committee notes with appreciation the increasing rate of enrolment in secondary education. Furthermore, the Committee takes note of the State party’s efforts to promote technical and vocational education, for example by trying to reach children over 15 years of age who do not meet educational requirements at the secondary level. However, the Committee regrets the lack of information on non-formal educational services and vocational training available to educationally deprived children outside the formal sector. 65. The Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts to address gender disparities in education, inter alia through implementing a literacy programme for women and girls (Projet d’alphabétisation de la femme et de la jeune fille, 1990-2002) and eliminating