USAID Unveils Education Strategy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2005
0526-05-039
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON DC - Wednesday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) unveiled its new education strategy, entitled Improving Lives Through Learning. This strategy highlights USAID's dual emphasis on teaching the basic skills for development, and supporting higher education objectives which enable people and nations to thrive in a changing social and economic environment. This approach is based on extensive research, analysis and over fifty years of experience in more than 75 countries worldwide.
U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that, "The U.S. will stand with people…in all societies that seek to claim a better future for their people. Education will play a particularly important role in societies that are making this quest."
USAID programs emphasize expanding access to basic education for underserved groups such as girls, the poor, the disabled and people living in rural areas. It is equally important to improve the quality of basic education, make programs sustainable and ensure that all programs are relevant to the needs of the region's work force.
"Not only is education one of the keys to economic growth and poverty reduction, but it is increasingly evident that educational failure contributes to broader state instability. Expanded, higher-quality education promotes stability, democratic governance and positive participation in the global community," said Andrew S. Natsios, USAID Administrator.
USAID's support for education has always been strong, working with many countries and organizations. Results over the past ten years show decreases in adult illiteracy, increases in overall school enrollment and increased access to education by girls. The FY2004 budget for basic education was $385.5 million, representing a doubling of those funds since FY2001. For the same period, the agency invested more than $55 million in higher education, $12 million in workforce development, and substantial resources in training across all program areas. Historically, developed nations typically spend $4,000 per student on education while developing nations spend $40.
While access to basic education is rising, availability needs to be increased, especially for girls. Other challenges include ensuring completion of education programs, ensuring the quality of education and providing qualified teachers. Reasons for these deficiencies range from armed conflict, HIV/AIDS and overcrowding to a lack of resources and poor management of public school systems.
Improving Lives Through Learning identifies areas where USAID's experience and expertise can help advance social and economic development. The strategy provides an overall focus for the Agency's education programs, while allowing the flexibility to coordinate with others in response to development needs and opportunities in individual countries.
View the USAID Education Strategy [pdf,363kb]
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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