Education is a game-changer. It means healthier communities, increased economic growth for individuals and countries, and brighter futures for millions of children. In past years, the partnership between the United States, the Global Partnership for Education and developing countries has helped to build stronger education systems and drastically decreased the number of out-of-school children throughout the world.
Yet, despite these efforts, an estimated 124 million children and youth around the world remain out of school. And even among children who do have access to the classroom, nearly 40 percent can’t read a single sentence.
A new bill to support global education
To help build upon current efforts and ensure equal access to quality education worldwide, the bipartisan Education for All Act of 2016 (EFA Act), was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Congressman David Reichert. The legislation focuses on the following principles:
- Reaching the 124 million youth and children who are unable to access primary or secondary school
- Improving the quality of education for those enrolled in school
- Building sustainability and country independence.
The EFA Act aims to develop a comprehensive integrated U.S. strategy that improves educational opportunities and addresses key barriers to children’s school attendance, retention, and completion.
The bill will help countries build long-term sustainability and country ownership, improve the transparency and accountability of U.S. investments in global education programs, and engage with key partners to leverage U.S. support for organizations like GPE. The legislation also aims to assure a continuum of education services for children specifically affected by conflict and other emergencies.
Ensuring high-level attention to education issues
In addition to these policy goals, the EFA Act creates a permanent, senior-level official at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote the efficient development and implementation of U.S. basic education programs. This position of Senior Coordinator will ensure that there is an official within the Administration dedicated to organizing international education activities and strengthening collaboration across agencies. By improving the transparency of these programs, the bill ensures that U.S. foreign assistance investment has the most impact for children worldwide.
The bill calls for rigorous monitoring and evaluation of programs and a yearly report to Congress and the public. Currently, USAID is not required by law to have a strategy on education and report to Congress on its progress. This bill will ensure that education remains a priority at USAID for years to come, the EFA Act will also codify the efforts that the U.S. government is already making to ensure access to quality education for millions of children around the world.
On March 2nd, advocates, congressional allies, and members of the International Basic Education Caucus will gather for a reception on Capitol Hill to celebrate U.S. government investments in global education and partnership with GPE. The event will highlight the importance of the Education for All Act of 2016.
For more information on the event go here: https://www.globalpartnership.org/event/cocktail-reception-celebrating-united-states-governments-investment-global-education