Archive for category: Education

Information and stories on education.

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Higher Education in Sri Lanka

Higher Education in Sri LankaThe higher education landscape in Sri Lanka reflects a nation that has prioritized education since gaining independence in 1948. The commitment to providing education up to the bachelor’s degree has contributed to the country’s impressive literacy rate of 92%. This is of the highest in South Asia, despite ongoing economic and social challenges, including the civil war. While the enrolment rate at secondary school is 99%, this drops to 21% at tertiary level, with women making up 65% of total university enrolment.

Funding State Education

After the end of British colonial rule, Sri Lanka established a state-funded educational system with a national framework in place in 1961, when the government took control of denominational schools. However, public spending on education has been persistently low in the last decade, accounting for only 2% of the gross domestic product (GDP), which fell to a historic low of 1.2% in 2022 due to a global economic crisis. As a result, household private spending on education in Sri Lanka tends to be significantly higher, indicating a gap between government support and the demand for educational services.

Private Higher Education in Sri Lanka

However, while Sri Lanka offers state education, there are more government-approved private universities. Private institutions play a crucial role in higher education, with 27 government-approved private universities compared to 18 public ones. Private universities are under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education. In contrast, the purview of the University Grants Commission oversees public universities.

The National Human Resource Development Council of Sri Lanka data showed that in 2021, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) was the largest private higher education provider, with 10,402 students. Other providers were the National Schools of Business Management (NSBM), Horizon College of Business and Technology, CINEC Campus and SLTC Campus. Many of these universities have also recently formed partnership arrangements with U.K. universities, enhancing their international recognition.

Recent Developments

The government has recently established the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, aiming to improve the standard of the country’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education system to a more competitive level. This initiative aims to boost STEM education to attract a competitive market for private providers. However, due to limited opportunities in the free government public universities, 80% of these students seek private higher education pathways.

As a result of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, middle-class parents have been pushing for their children to join degree pathways after their O-Levels rather than after the General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level examinations. This means they can graduate three to four years earlier and start their career. This shift allows students to complete degrees in a shorter time frame, immediately entering the workforce and addressing critical skills shortages in the job market. As a result of these developments, there is a clear link between the higher education system and encouraging sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka.

Final Note

While Sri Lanka has made substantial progress in ensuring access to education, significant challenges remain in higher education enrollment and funding. The rise of private institutions, coupled with government initiatives to enhance STEM education, presents a pathway for improving the employability of graduates and fostering economic growth. Continued investment and strategic planning will be vital in overcoming current challenges and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s higher education system meets the needs of its population and economy.

– Amani Almasri

Amani is based in Durham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction in Vietnam: Economic Growth and Challenges

Poverty Reduction in VietnamOver the last three decades, poverty reduction in Vietnam has experienced unprecedented success. The Doi Moi Reforms in 1986 have been a success story in what was once one of the poorest nations. This progress continues today. With the average distance of the poverty line shrinking, upward mobility is widespread and welfare programs and public investment continue to improve lives. Despite these successes, there are remaining challenges. There are still many people living in transient poverty, and some areas of multi-dimensional poverty require solutions. For instance, gender equality, ethnic, minorities and rural communities bear the brunt of Vietnam’s current challenges.

Economic Growth

Poverty reduction in Vietnam is largely attributed to the reforms of the 1980s. Key Changes were incentives to diversify agrarian production, opening trade to the global market and domestic investment which contributed to exports and job creation in urban areas, according to the UNDP report. The income these policies generated drove the improvement of domestic services and improved quality of living.

The 2022 World Bank report found that the Low and Middle low-income country poverty rate dropped from 16.8% to 5% in 2010-2020. In the same decade, the size of the middle class has tripled from 7.3 million people in 2010 to 22.6 million people in 2020. Health outcomes have also improved. Vietnam’s universal health index is higher than global averages at 73, and infant mortality rates fell from 32.6 per 100 births in 1993 to 16 in 2022.

In 2015, the government implemented a National Target Program to reduce deprivation in some remote rural areas and regions where incomes have not risen as fast as in other areas. They are continuing to develop them into 2025, according to the UNDP report. These programs include the New Rural Development program, which aims to improve critical services for rural communities, such as education, health, transport, water supply, security, communication and more.

The impact of Foreign direct investment (FDI) should not be ignored either. After joining the World Trade Organization in 2007, formal jobs with foreign-owned enterprises opened up in the manufacturing sector. There were 2 million more manufacturing jobs in 2020 than in 2018, and 1.9 million had formal work contracts. Showing a link between FDI and an increasing number of jobs with higher wages, according to the World Bank report.

Addressing Inequality and Ethnic Minorities

These are encouraging trends and the economic achievements are monumental. However, poverty is dynamic, and despite these successes, most households are still vulnerable to transient poverty. For the majority, their households can be driven below the poverty line by a sudden change in their conditions. Sixty percent of households are vulnerable to income poverty, especially in rural regions. For instance, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 73.3% of Vietnamese lost income, UNDP reports.

Children without access to technology suffered the most significant learning losses during lockdowns. The poorest regions of Vietnam, which are usually remote and mountainous, are disproportionately home to ethnic minorities. While ethnic minorities represented 6%-13% of Vietnam’s population in 2020, they accounted for 21%-42% of the nation’s poor, according to the World Bank report. These disparities indicate that ethnic minorities benefit the least from Vietnam’s poverty reduction efforts and are most vulnerable to conditions of poverty.

The government has focused on tailored plans to support ethnic minorities with central funding through National Targeted Programs (NTPs) to test innovation on a local level. The 4M initiative, (meet-match-mentor-move) aims to enable ethnic minority women to break their isolation by introducing them to non-agricultural markets like e-commerce, social media and multi-stakeholder networks, UNDP reports. Knowing production and business methods, these women have expanded their markets and enterprises, benefiting around 13,000 women.

NTPs can support interaction among government bodies and communication between government agencies and local authorities to test new solutions to poverty reduction in remote areas. For instance, incorporating digital technologies at a grassroots level, as they did with the 4M initiative and digitizing poverty reduction services targeting remote communities to reduce administrative costs and service time.

Steps Going Forward

According to a survey of the NTP-National Rural Development, much of NTP spending was on socio-economic infrastructure, but targeted household programs may lift the remaining poor above the poverty line. The concentration of poverty among ethnic minorities in rural areas also calls for NTPs which target these communities directly, ensuring access to resources, investment and digitization.

While challenges remain, particularly for ethnic minorities and vulnerable communities facing climate risks, Vietnam’s commitment to poverty reduction offers hope for continued progress. Poverty reduction in Vietnam is one of the three NTPs in 2021-2025. By adjusting the multidimensional poverty line, 10 million more people are eligible for government social assistance. Aim for a 1.5% annual reduction in MDP International cooperation and an adaptive approach to policy will be essential to ensure that Vietnam can continue its journey toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

– Jonathan King

Jonathan is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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EAA Is Tackling Barriers Faced by Out-Of-School Children

EAAThe distance to school, in many contexts around the world and particularly in remote, rural locations across developing countries, is one of the most obstructive barriers to education access for vulnerable primary-level children. According to the World Bank, “The single most important determinant of primary school enrolment is the proximity of a school.” Stated that as the distance between school and home grows, so, too, does the likelihood that a child will not have a chance to enroll or attend. The negative implications in such scenarios are apparent.

Education Above All Foundation

Since its inception in 2012, the Education Above All Foundation’s (EAA) Educate A Child (EAC) program has focused its energies on working in partnership to design interventions that address the range of barriers out-of-school children (OOSC) face. These efforts create opportunities for marginalized children to access quality primary education. That said, the mission has certainly not been a well-paved road, void of problems or pitfalls.

Yet, by holding fast to a set of core values, the EAA Foundation has shaped its development efforts, particularly by recognizing what works and building on effective strategies that produce results for the hardest-to-reach children. Early on, the EAA Foundation understood that the barriers that keep millions of children out of school, whether due to distance, poverty or other challenges, can “exist in different locations within a country or even within a single location, indicating the need for a variety of approaches and partners to address these challenges.”

That perspective has enabled the program to remain aware of real-world challenges that will inevitably arise while staying open to a variety of solutions—no matter the form they take—even when addressing the same persistent barrier. By now, it is clear OOSC will not benefit from one-size-fits-all approaches; their situations require tailored solutions. With this in mind, the EAA Foundation has recognized the merit of simple yet impactful interventions that have proven effective over the years and contributed significantly to reducing education exclusion.

A Critical Combination

Across the globe, where children on the margins find themselves several kilometers from the nearest classroom, the EAA Foundation and its partners rely on a critical combination of technical expertise and local knowledge to support the will of OOSC to realize their right to education. For instance, to address the distance barrier, the program has helped provide bicycles for children who might otherwise have no recourse but to drop out in Cambodia, The Gambia and Zambia.

This was achieved through respective joint initiatives with Action Education, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Vision. A buddy system where children travel in groups to and from school, with older peers offering guidance and groupings of mothers helping to ensure safe passage, has been introduced with effect in Nepal with United World Schools.

The Story of Tanzina

Tanzina, from Bangladesh’s remote Sunamganj District, a region prone to severe flooding, especially during monsoon season, grew up in a community where tradition and securing livelihoods against rising water levels often took priority over education. Moreover, traditional school buildings are generally impractical in the area’s natural floodplain.

As a result, young Tanzina had very limited opportunities to ever sit in a classroom. Nonetheless, through her own determination and a boat school initiative implemented in partnership with BRAC, which picks up children, holds classes on the boat and drops them off at home each day, Tanzina was finally able to realize her right to education.

Final Remark

It is remarkable how simple solutions and innovations in the most remote communities can have such an outsized impact on children who face daily challenges, like long distances to the nearest school, through no fault of their own. This serves as a reminder to be creative and seek solutions that fit the local context. After all, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

– Mary Joy Pigozzi, Executive Director, Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child Program.

Photo: EAA

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Kerala: Leading Education Reform In India

Education Reform In IndiaKerala, situated in the linguistic-cultural region of South India, ranks as the ninth-largest economy in India, with an annual gross state product of ₹9.78 lakh crore between 2020 and 2021. The state’s economic growth is fueled by sectors such as tourism, health care and education. Furthermore, Kerala stands out as a leader in accessible and equitable education across India, with a model that emphasizes literacy, gender parity, technology, quality and inclusivity. This approach effectively addresses disparities and broadens educational opportunities for marginalized groups. The following list highlights six areas where Kerala has achieved significant academic progress.

6 Ways Kerala Leads India in Education Reform

  1. High Literacy Rates and Universal Primary Education. Kerala’s literacy rate reached 93.91% in the 2011 census. This notable increase is attributed to early reforms and primary education mandates established by local kingdoms before Indian independence. Historians report that social movements in the early 20th century helped lay the foundation for Kerala’s educational success. This created a culture that values literacy. Currently, the emphasis on literacy allows many people in the state to pursue better opportunities and break cycles of poverty.
  2. Gender Parity in Education. Kerala’s Gender Parity Index (GPI) is among the highest in India, standing at 1.44 for general enrolment and increasing to 1.80 and 1.41 for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, respectively, according to Education for All in India. Kerala’s policies supporting gender equity in education ensure that girls, including those from marginalized groups, have equitable access to schooling. Analysts suggest that this focus on gender balance empowers girls, enabling them to access higher education and professional opportunities.
  3. Technology Integration in Schools. Since its inception in 2001, the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) initiative has incorporated technology across all public schools in India. By 2018, KITE had equipped more than 4,500 schools with digital resources. Additionally, it has trained more than 80,000 teachers in AI and digital skills, according to The Hindu. This initiative ensures that students, especially those in underserved rural areas, gain access to essential digital skills. These skills prepare them for a competitive global economy.
  4. Recognition in Educational Quality. Kerala ranked highest in NITI Aayog’s School Education Quality Index for 2019, achieving a score of 76.6%. Education experts point to Kerala’s quality-focused policies as instrumental in improving educational standards across income groups. These policies ensure students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for academic and professional success.
  5. Inclusive Education Programmes. Kerala has prioritized inclusive education with programs like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and the State Initiative on Disabilities. These programs provide barrier-free learning environments and specialized training for educators working with children with disabilities. Indeed, educational researchers note that these inclusive efforts help bridge gaps for students who may face physical or cognitive challenges, offering them the support needed to succeed.
  6. Expanding Impact Beyond Kerala. Kerala’s influence in education reform extends beyond its borders, with organizations founded by Kerala natives taking steps to improve education in other parts of India. An example is Our India Foundation, established in 2014 by a group from Calicut, Kerala. The foundation operates Our India International School (OIIS), which began with just 28 students and has now expanded to serve 662 students from kindergarten through Grade IX. Based on the success of OIIS in Kerala, the foundation has extended its mission to underserved areas outside Kerala, bringing educational resources and opportunities to communities in need. This expansion reflects Kerala’s broader commitment to educational equity across India.

Moving Forward

Kerala’s education system demonstrates how targeted policies can potentially create a significant impact, building a foundation of literacy, inclusivity and opportunity for all students. Furthermore, by focusing on solutions like technology integration, gender parity and inclusive practices, Kerala sets an example for how education reforms can drive positive change across diverse communities in India. This commitment to equitable education continues to transform lives and offer new pathways to success for future generations.

– Fiza Meeraj

Fiza is based in London, UKm and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Academics Stand Against Poverty: Solutions for a World in Need

Academics Stand Against PovertyWith half of the human population, around 3.5 billion, still exposed to severe poverty, a group of dedicated scholars and researchers are taking a stand. Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) is an international community committed to confronting the rules and practices that perpetuate global poverty. It aims to advocate for targeted, evidence-based reforms that can make a real difference in the lives of millions.

The Challenge: A Complex Web of Poverty

Poverty is not simply a lack of resources; it’s a complex web of interconnected issues. ASAP focuses on the structural drivers of poverty, which include:

  1. Illicit financial flows and tax havens
  2. Imbalanced trade agreements and intellectual property laws
  3. Economic policies such as austerity measures

These systemic issues create barriers that keep individuals and communities trapped in cycles of poverty. In our current “post-truth” world, where “alternative facts” often overshadow evidence-based research, ASAP’s work is crucial.

Academics Stand Against Poverty and Its Innovative Solutions

ASAP is tackling these challenges through a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Research and Advocacy: ASAP members conduct rigorous research to identify the root causes of poverty and develop evidence-based solutions. They then advocate for these solutions at various levels, from local communities to international policy-making bodies.
  2. AGAPE Initiative: ASAP has launched the Ambedkar Grants for Advancing Poverty Eradication (AGAPE) program, which provides competitive funding and mentoring for jumpstarting innovative pilot projects in severe poverty eradication. These projects are selected based on their potential for cost-effective scale-up.
  3. Collaborative Partnerships: ASAP works with other organizations to maximize impact. For example, it has partnered with Global Financial Integrity and Yale’s Global Justice Program to award the annual Amartya Sen Prizes, encouraging further research and innovation in addressing illicit financial flows.
  4. Education and Awareness: Through publications, conferences and public engagement, ASAP works to raise awareness about poverty issues and potential solutions among both academic and non-academic audiences.

Global Network: Fellowship Program and Chapters

ASAP’s global network of 19 chapters across the globe is a testament to its commitment to fostering academic dialogue and collaboration. With a strong presence among universities and academics in the global South, ASAP focuses on creating opportunities for those who face barriers to full participation in global academic dialogue.

ASAP’s growing network of members and national and regional chapters is the driving force behind its impact on global poverty. The organization connects like-minded faculty, students and researchers from different disciplines around the world with a common goal: to look at practical and achievable ways to tackle the systemic root causes that perpetuate poverty.

Success Stories

ASAP’s innovative approach is already yielding results. In its first year of operation, the AGAPE initiative made four awards in India, demonstrating the program’s commitment to supporting grassroots solutions. One notable project is the Snekithi Charitable Trust in Tamil Nadu, which received more than $2,300 for an initiative to raise the productivity and incomes of Dalit women farmers in the rain-fed areas of Karur District.

This project not only addresses poverty but also tackles issues of gender and caste inequality. While the full impact of these projects is still unfolding, they represent a promising start in ASAP’s mission to eradicate severe poverty. By supporting local initiatives with global expertise, ASAP is creating a model for sustainable, community-driven change.

Final Note

ASAP’s work offers hope in the face of daunting global challenges. By combining rigorous academic research with practical, on-the-ground solutions, ASAP is paving the way for a world structured to avert poverty. Its efforts show that when knowledge meets action, real change is possible.

In a world often divided by ideology and misinformation, ASAP stands as a beacon of evidence-based hope. ASAP challenges us all to think critically about the causes of poverty and to act decisively in creating a more just and equitable world for all.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Inclusive Education: Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation

Agatha Obiageli AghedoIn Satellite Town, a bustling and diverse community in Lagos State, Nigeria, the absence of a conducive and enabling school environment for children with disabilities and those from impoverished backgrounds has long been a glaring issue. For too many families, access to quality education feels like a distant dream, particularly for children who require special attention and care. The stark reality is that children with disabilities often face multiple layers of exclusion—first from the broader society and then from an educational system ill-equipped to meet their needs.

The Challenge: A Community in Need

Satellite Town is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing many urban areas across Nigeria. The town is home to a significant population of children who come from low-income families, where the struggle to make ends meet often means that education becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. For children with disabilities, the situation is even more dire. The lack of specialized schools or programs that can accommodate their needs often leaves them excluded from the education system entirely.

These children are not just missing out on learning; they are being denied their fundamental right to grow, develop and participate fully in society. Despite the high rate of migration into Satellite Town, driven by its commercial activities, many families continue to struggle for survival. The community is marked by stark economic disparities, where the influx of new residents seeking opportunity overshadows the persistent needs of the most vulnerable.

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation, founded and registered in 2012, was established out of a strong commitment to address these inequities. Led by Dr. Akhere Marian Aghedo-Akran, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Strategist with a Ph.D. in Educational Management specializing in inclusion strategies, the Foundation passionately advocates for inclusive education and the dignity of all individuals.

Born and raised in Satellite Town, Aghedo-Akran has a deep personal connection to her community and strongly believes in giving back to uplift those in need, especially in the place where her mother lived until her passing. The foundation honors her mother’s legacy, who was a dedicated humanitarian. She treated everyone with love and fairness, never perceiving anyone as less or impaired and the foundation continues this commitment to inclusive support for all.

St. Agatha’s Inclusive Learning Center

The organization launched St. Agatha’s Inclusive Learning Center eight year ago. The center is a free school dedicated to providing equitable and inclusive education for all children, regardless of their physical abilities or socioeconomic status. This initiative has since become a lifeline for more than 200 children and their families in the community. The Foundation’s approach extends beyond traditional education, aiming to create an environment where every child feels valued and included.

One of its most impactful initiatives has been the introduction of sign language in its school, which has inspired some private schools in the community to adopt similar inclusive practices. This initiative has significantly reduced the stigma and isolation that many children with disabilities face, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Additionally, through its #NoChildShouldBeLeftBehind campaign, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to reintegrate out-of-school children into the educational system. These children receive free education, meals, uniforms, shoes and writing materials, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

Transforming Lives and Communities

In 2024, the Foundation expanded its impact through the launch of the Disability Arts, Robotics, Technology and Safety (DARTS) Project. This innovative program provides persons with disabilities in the community with free training in essential life skills. Participants have learned fire safety, basic life support, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and information technology, empowering them to live more independently and safely. The DARTS Project is a critical step in its ongoing mission to equip individuals with disabilities with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation’s efforts extend beyond education into the broader community. Since its inception, the Foundation has organized more than 20 quarterly community outreaches, distributing relief items to vulnerable families. These initiatives have impacted more than 500,000 people, providing essential support to those facing daily struggles to make ends meet. Additionally, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Foundation distributed relief packs to more than 3,000 families consistently for 11 weeks, ensuring they had essential supplies to survive the difficult period.

Conclusion

The Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation has made a lasting impact through its commitment to inclusive education and community support. The initiative is committed to continuing its work until every child in Satellite Town and beyond has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

– Staff Reports
Photo: AOAMF

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Poverty Reduction in Seychelles 

Poverty Reduction in SeychellesThose experiencing poverty in Seychelles live on less than $6.85 a day, which was estimated to be nearly 5.6% of the population in 2023. The majority of poverty is concentrated in certain districts of Mahé, the largest island. Issues like substance abuse and teenage pregnancy affect people in poverty – these can hinder efforts in poverty reduction, though they are taking steps.

Foreign Investment and Tax Reform

The government is utilizing its newest Fitch Rating to create more employment opportunities. A Fitch Rating evaluates an entity’s ability to pay back loans, keep promises and generally be a sound investment for a financial institution. This will lead to more FDI, allowing the government to further invest this money in creating employment. Recent increases in employment have been shown to reduce poverty in Seychelles from 5.9% to 5.6% from 2022 to 2023—this is vital for poverty reduction.

By reducing the tax from 30% to 25% for profits of more than 1 million SCR, the 2022 reform reduces strain on businesses in Seychelles and equally facilitates more Seychellois businesses.  Businesses below the 1 million threshold now also benefit from a 15% tax on profits, down from 25% before 2022. This is promising for smaller business owners who may experience levels of poverty.

Regional Disparities

One challenge to poverty reduction in Seychelles is a high level of income inequality. However, the government is helping to address this intra-regional inequality by investing in the education system. Currently, Seychelles spends 10% of its GDP on education. It has also invested in health care and created social safety nets; an example of this is how it increased pensions and the minimum wage.

The World Bank

In 2021, the World Bank gave Seychelles a loan of $30 million for reforms on its social protection system, which is important for poor Seychellois as it covers pensions, welfare and help for those with disabilities. The World Bank estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic halted efforts in poverty reduction. This resulted in the percentage increasing from 25% to 37%, which was essential for further poverty reduction.

Multidimensional Poverty Index Report

Seychelles released its 2019 MPI report, a useful resource to help understand poverty within the country. The Seychelles’ Poverty Alleviation Department created this report as a way to produce a guideline for future policies for poverty reduction in Seychelles. This makes it easier to understand the situation of the poorest Seychellois and understand the challenges they face.

Despite these challenges, the future is bright for Seychelles. It has demonstrated economic growth and investment in its workforce even after 2020. By securing foreign investment, a future is secured for the poorest and most vulnerable of the Seychellois.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of the Girls’ Education Challenge in Ghana

Girls’ Education Challenge in GhanaIn Ghana, digital literacy has become essential for students aiming to thrive in the modern workforce. However, girls in rural areas face particular challenges in accessing digital tools, often due to economic barriers and traditional gender roles. Recognizing this gap, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through the Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC), has partnered with local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to empower girls in rural Ghana. Programs like the Discovery Project, implemented by Impact(Ed) International, alongside Worldreader, equip young girls with digital literacy skills to help them succeed in school and beyond.​

The Digital Divide in Rural Ghana

In rural Ghana, the digital divide poses a significant barrier to girls’ education, limiting their future career opportunities. Girls often have less access to technology than boys due to household responsibilities and cultural expectations. This gap restricts their learning opportunities and potential to gain the digital skills essential for today’s job market. Targeted interventions focused on girls’ digital literacy are crucial to breaking this cycle and empowering girls to overcome these barriers.

How GEC Is Bridging the Gap

The GEC, managed by FCDO, supports education initiatives specifically designed to improve access and outcomes for girls in rural areas. The GEC provides digital resources such as tablets, e-books and online learning platforms through projects like the Discovery Project. By focusing on girls’ education, the project seeks to close the digital divide, equipping young girls with the tools and confidence to participate fully in a technology-driven economy.

Partnerships With Local and International NGOs

U.K. Aid collaborates with organizations like Impact(Ed) International and Worldreader to bring digital literacy tools to rural Ghanaian schools. Impact(Ed) International, formerly Discovery Learning Alliance, provides digital educational content and teacher training to improve digital literacy in rural Ghana. Through the Discovery Project, supported by U.K. Aid, the nonprofit empowers girls with literacy, numeracy and life skills while providing access to digital learning resources. It focuses on gender-inclusive education, reaching thousands of girls across rural Ghana​.

Similarly, Worldreader’s partnership with FCDO has expanded access to reading materials for girls through e-readers loaded with educational content in local languages. These digital libraries are especially impactful in rural regions with limited access to books​.

Transforming Lives Through Digital Literacy

The Discovery Project in northern Ghana has successfully empowered girls with digital literacy skills. Since its inception, the project has reached more than 104,000 girls and established 448 Girls’ Clubs across 800 schools in 11 districts. These Girls’ Clubs provide a safe environment for girls to develop literacy, numeracy and life skills while building their confidence and ambition. Through engaging content like the “My Better World” video series, which features relatable role models, the project encourages girls to envision a future beyond traditional roles.

Evaluations of the program revealed a 3.7-point increase in self-efficacy among participating girls, who reported greater confidence, better classroom participation and stronger peer relationships. Digital literacy is more than just an educational tool—it’s a pathway out of poverty. By equipping young girls in rural Ghana with digital skills, U.K. Aid programs prepare a generation for modern careers. This empowerment not only benefits individual girls but also strengthens their communities. Girls who achieve digital literacy are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs, contribute to household income and drive local economic growth.

Conclusion

U.K. Aid is closing the digital literacy gap for girls in rural Ghana through the Girls’ Education Challenge and partnerships with Impact(Ed) International and Worldreader. These initiatives improve educational outcomes and equip girls with the skills needed to participate fully in the digital economy, contributing to long-term poverty reduction and gender equality. By providing digital resources and fostering girls’ empowerment, U.K. Aid is helping to shape a brighter future for Ghana’s next generation of women leaders.

– Safa Musa

Safa is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education Initiatives in Namibia

education initiatives in namibiaIn the southwestern African nation of Namibia, education is of vital importance. Compared to its neighbors, Namibia invests around 10% more of total government expenditures on education, at roughly 25%. Furthermore, literacy rates are 92% overall and 95% for youth. This emphasis on the nation’s youth is critical for development in Namibia because an educated population base can raise employment and boost the nation’s economy. Despite these current successes, unequal access to education and poverty remain in the country, with 17.2% of the population living on less than $2.15 per day. In response, both the government and international organizations have developed plans for education initiatives in Namibia that tackle these issues and grow an educated workforce.

Government Work

Education is mandatory for Namibians between 6 and 16 years old and is free for both primary and secondary school since 2013 and 2016, respectively. In 2023, the country announced the Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Basic Education in Namibia and Zimbabwe program, which trains teachers in both nations and establishes a community-based style of learning which emphasizes living heritage and culture.

With this initiative, Namibia moves closer to achieving SDG 4 – access to quality education for all. In addition, Namibia has recently undertaken efforts to digitize its education system, launching “The Digital Schools” as a test project to improve “digital learning environments and enhance teachers’ digital skills.”

USAID

Despite the efforts of the Namibian government, inequalities and deficiencies in education persist. Thankfully, international organizations have stepped up to spur development through their education initiatives in Namibia. USAID has been active since the nation’s birth through its Basic Education Systems Project, helping children in densely populated and underserved regions access primary education before it was free to do so.

USAID’s Ambassador Scholarship Program finances education for orphans and vulnerable children and keeps them in school, helping them receive an equal education to more advantaged students. Finally, a Youth Development program instills in students life skills and vocational training to keep them enrolled in education.

Roger Federer and MCC

Since 2018, the Roger Federer Foundation has encouraged a smooth transition for students entering primary school through its School Readiness Initiative. It assists Namibia’s youth with enrolling and staying in school and promotes equal access between girls and boys. Furthermore, its Early Learning Kiosk offers stimulating digital learning to students at a low cost in the form of a tablet.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), another U.S.-based development effort, spent $145 million instituting education initiatives in Namibia through its Namibia Compact. The program trained new teachers and offered new textbooks to students. While test scores and education improved somewhat, the MCC founds new facilities to often not meet the needs of Namibian communities.

UNICEF

UNICEF focuses on education at a young age, using its Integrated Early Childhood Development approach to improve nutrition, stimulation and learning opportunities for pre-primary Namibian children, especially the disabled. Furthermore, the program trains parents in skills to ensure their children’s sustained learning on the path to enrollment in primary education.

Namibia is already far ahead of most African nations in terms of education. However, inequalities exist between vulnerable and disabled populations and the rest of the youth population. With both the government of Namibia and outside organizations recognizing this issue and taking action, vast improvements in education—and development as a whole in Namibia—are sure to follow.

– Cole Zickwolff

Cole is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Refugee Education in Germany

Refugee Education in GermanyIn 2015, conflict in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and other places forced millions of people to leave their homes and become refugees. The flow of migrants entering Europe increased from 153,000 in 2008 to more than a million in 2015.

Education Opportunities for Refugees

During what is known as the “refugee crisis” of 2015, Germany quickly developed a culture of openness, with an emphasis on refugee education. Angela Merkel, then the country’s chancellor, introduced the phrase “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do this”) as a rallying call for the more skeptical citizens of Germany. There were many Germans at the time who doubted the capacity of the welfare state to accommodate such high numbers of new arrivals on top of the demands of the native population. However, the story of Germany’s refugee policy is considered to be one of success today. By 2018, 72% of the asylum seekers had been granted protection and the right to work in Germany. By 2020, half of the asylum seekers who had entered Germany in 2015 had found a job.

One of the central strategies Germany has adopted for accommodating and integrating its migrant population is an investment in education opportunities for refugees. According to the World Bank, there are 15 million displaced school-aged children, more than half of whom are not enrolled in education. If these children were in school, they would be less vulnerable to rights abuses like child labor, forced marriage and violence. Additionally, the consistency of attending school every day in a safe and supportive environment can restore a sense of stability and safety to children who have experienced severe trauma and life disruption.

Barriers to Integration in Germany’s Education System

Although it has been widely recognized that “access to education and language courses are … key to the success of social and labor market integration”, the German schooling system was not designed with this intention in mind. Studies have shown that the German schooling system tends to reproduce and cement already existing social and class distinctions. It can be difficult, therefore, for refugee children to move beyond the social class of their parents, even with a German education. One report cites the fact that frequent relocations in accommodations and being enrolled in a preparatory class separate from native German speakers correlated with a lower chance of gaining further qualifications after completion of the mandatory nine years.

The German Expert Council on Migration and Integration released a report in 2018 suggesting that a barrier to social integration and educational advancement of refugee children is the segregated school system. Some schools implement a parallel schooling system, in which refugee children are taught separately from their German counterparts, sometimes without any native speaker in the classroom. When it came to higher education, refugees again faced considerable barriers. Without institutional provisions like scholarships or waived costs, it was largely the work of volunteers and people working within academia that turned Germany into an example of inclusion when it comes to refugee education. There was a large consensus across academic disciplines that federal funding should be opened up for asylum seekers in Germany.

Looking Forward

Humanitarian organizations filled the gaps where federal policy failed to account for refugee education. An important example of this humanitarianism is the charity Kiron. The charity began its work in 2015, ensuring that forcibly displaced people can continue to access education online. Kiron has now provided remote education for more than 100,000 students since its founding. In 2023, it launched the free program THRIVE, aimed at upskilling displaced women in preparation for the job market.

Additionally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has committed to enrolling 15% of refugees in higher education by 2030. Achieving this goal will require efforts from not only humanitarian workers but also governments to ensure inclusive education.

– Io Oswald

Io is based in Paris, France and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr