Today, Administrator Samantha Power announced the launch of the new U.S. Government Strategy on International Basic Education (2024-2029) reaffirming the United States' commitment to investing in and supporting quality and inclusive education worldwide. The Strategy brings together ten departments and offices across the U.S. government, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Millennium Challenge Corporation, National Security Council, the Peace Corps, and USAID.
Unfortunately, too many students face extraordinary obstacles to learning. An estimated 70 percent of ten-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries are unable to read a simple text. Less than 25 percent of youth in those countries are on track to attain the skills needed to thrive in school, work, and life. Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts and crises disrupting education, U.S. government programs increased the number of learners who obtain foundational reading skills and meet country benchmarks in 15 countries during and after the pandemic emergency.
Together, U.S. government agencies and departments will work with partner countries toward three shared objectives: to improve learning outcomes; expand access to high-quality education, particularly for the most historically marginalized; and coordinate and leverage resources to drive results. The announcement highlights our core focus on increasing learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education, particularly for the historically marginalized. The new Strategy integrates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, including strengthening education systems to be more inclusive and resilient.
Over the course of the previous 2019-2023 USG Strategy on International Basic Education, the U.S. government reached more than 34 million learners annually through international basic education programs.
Quality education for all children is integral to achieving sustainable development in partner countries, and the agencies and departments supporting the Strategy remain committed to achieving this goal. USAID education programs continue to be guided by the USAID Education Policy, which reinforces local knowledge, local leadership and country-led programs for education system strengthening.
