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Two school
children of the indigenous weaving community of Willoq near Ollantaytambo
in the Peruvian Andes, doing homework on the sidewalk just outside
their classroom. Photo by Karl Grobl. |
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Why is it important to invest in basic education?
- The Academy for Educational Development has found that
a developing nation’s gross domestic product increases
as much as 16 percent for every 30 percent increase in literacy
rates.
- UNICEF reports that every year of education for a mother
decreases the mortality rate of her children under five by as much
as 10 percent.
- Studies have shown that countries with higher levels
of education have greater political stability and democratic rights.
How is the U.S. Government promoting basic education?
- America contributes resources to basic education in developing
countries to improve access, modernize teaching methods, promote
respect and tolerance, increase classroom debate and produce a better-
educated, more productive workforce.
Progress has been made.
- Primary school enrollment in the developing world grew
by nearly 90 million children during the 1990s.
- The worldwide illiteracy rate dropped from 37 percent
to 20 percent between 1970 and 2000.
But challenges remain.
- Nearly 115 million children – 60 percent – in
the developing world who should be in school are not.
- Only half of the children who start primary school finish
it.
- Only 14 percent of girls enroll in secondary school.
Articles
on Basic Education:
Success Stories
Basic
Education | Health
Care | Work & Farming
Skills | Reducing
Hunger
Women & Girls | Refugees | Peace & Democracy
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