Fact Sheet The United States Agency for International Development Washington, DC June 20, 2002 Strengthening Basic Education in AfricaAfrican children are the future of the continent. Their education is key to sustaining democracies, improving health, increasing per capita income and conserving environmental resources. Recognizing the importance of basic education, the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is committing 200 million dollars over the next five years to improve basic education for Africa's children. The multi-year basic education initiative, Strengthening Basic Education in Africa, challenges African education professionals to find new ways to quickly provide children with opportunities to learn and become productive members of their society. To address the devastation of the HIV epidemic, this initiative will assure that enough teachers are trained to address the wide variety of student needs. With the assistance of U.S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, African students will be provided with the textbooks they need in their local languages. Local organizations will receive funding to help communities create parent teacher associations to ensure that parents and communities have a school they can be proud to send their children to. An important result will be an increase in the number of girls graduating with the life skills they need. The Initiative will focus on making certain that children have a quality education by:
Read more about USAID's education-related efforts in Africa. |