Achieving Universal Primary Education by 2015

One hundred and eighty-nine countries have committed themselves to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and improving the welfare of people by the year 2015. Few global goals have been as consistently and deeply supported as the second MDG, which states that by 2015, “children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.” Achievement of this goal is crucial, as education is one of the most powerful instruments known for reducing poverty and inequality and for laying the foundation for sustained economic growth, effective institutions, and sound governance. Achieving Universal Primary Education by 2015: A Chance for Every Child assesses whether universal primary education can be achieved by 2015. The study focuses on the largest low-income countries that are furthest from the goal and home to about 75 percent of the children out of school globally. By analyzing education policies and financing patterns in relatively high-performing countries, the study identifies a new policy and financing framework for faster global progress in primary education. the authors use a simulation model to show how adoption of this framework could accelerate progress in low-income countries currently at risk of not reaching the education MDG. The study makes it clear that worldwide attainment of universal primary education by 2015 will necessitate an even stronger combination of political will, deep and sustained reform, faster dissemination of best practices, and intensified financial effort than has been marshaled to date. The book provides practical tools ad guidance on the policies and strategies that can help low-income countries improve education system performance and on the corresponding actions by international donors that can improve the effectiveness of their support.