BEC Applauds Passage of READ Act Reauthorization 

BEC applauds the inclusion of the READ Act Reauthorization Act in the National Defense Authorization Act, passed by the House of Representatives on December 11 and the Senate today. 

Introduced by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Grace Meng (D-NY), and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 will reauthorize the READ Act of 2017 for an additional five years. The legislation calls for a whole of government strategy to improve foundational literacy and numeracy in basic education and requires a yearly report to Congress and the public. 

Originally signed into law in 2017, the READ Act will continue efforts to equitably expand access to basic education for children around the world. The original READ Act required the U.S. to prioritize work with partner countries, other donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations, to promote quality basic education through programs and activities that:

1.     respond to the needs of developing countries to achieve improvements in literacy;

2.     strengthen education systems and expands access to safe learning;

3.     promote education as a foundation for sustained economic growth; and

4.     monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and quality of basic education programs in partner countries.

Since the READ Act was enacted, the United States Government has made tremendous progress advancing quality basic education around the world. In FY22 alone, basic education programs reached over 32 million learners in 97 countries around the world, distributed over 12 million textbooks and other learning materials, and trained and provided professional development to more than 820,000 teachers and educators.

We thank congressional champions, staff, and fellow advocates for their support of this vital piece of legislation. Thanks to its passage, we can look forward to working together to improve quality education for children around the world for an additional five years!

BEC Statement on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request

The Biden Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request arrives at a time when supporting the stability and prosperity of global communities has never been more important. Unfortunately, the $627.1 million budget request proposes a 32 percent cut for international basic education compared to the FY24 enacted level.

With over 250 million children currently out of school, according to the United Nations, and as overlapping global challenges continue to unfold -- from conflicts and humanitarian emergencies in Europe and the Middle East, to North Africa -- now is not the time to back away from our development and humanitarian priorities.

“Education, particularly basic education, provides the foundation upon which communities and nations can thrive. Proposals to under-fund international basic education threaten not only years of progress raising levels of education attainment, but also U.S. Government investments in national security, health, agriculture, and other sectors,” said Eric Eversmann and Heather Simpson, Co-Chairs of the Basic Education Coalition.

The Basic Education Coalition is disappointed in the Administration’s short-sighted proposal amidst this very tumultuous backdrop and encourages Congress to work with the Administration over the coming months to expand upon the FY2025 Budget Request.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the Basic Education Coalition is requesting $1.1 billion for international basic education, with no less than $900 million included for bilateral U.S. Government programming.

The FY2025 Congressional Budget Justification, its annexes, and the supplementary tables for the International Affairs Budget can be found here.

BEC Statement on the Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Agreement

The Basic Education Coalition (BEC) is grateful to Congressional leaders for passing the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, concluding the Fiscal Year 2024 budget process and ensuring continued funding for the US Government through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024.

The Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) funding bill invests $58.3 billion in US foreign assistance, $3.4 billion below Fiscal Year 2023. The bill includes $922 million for international basic education, $48 million below Fiscal Year 2023, but $281.4 million above the Biden Administration’s request. It includes $121.6 million for the Global Partnership for Education and $30.4 million for Education Cannot Wait.

“While we were disappointed to see the $48 million decrease for international basic education in FY24, we appreciate the efforts of House and Senate Appropriations leadership to ensure sustained basic education funding, despite four consecutive years of short-sighted cuts proposed by the Biden Administration,” said Eric Eversmann and Heather Simpson, Co-Chairs of the Basic Education Coalition Board of Directors.

“Education, particularly basic education, provides the foundation upon which communities and nations can thrive. Proposals to under-fund international basic education threaten not only years of progress raising levels of education attainment, but also U.S. Government investments in national security, health, agriculture, and other sectors.”

BEC would also like to thank outgoing House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger (R-TX) for her years of dedicated public service, especially for her time spent on the House Appropriations Committee. Chairwoman Granger will be retiring at the end of the 118th Congress and will be stepping down from her leadership position on the Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.

The text of the remaining FY24 appropriations bills is available here and the SFOPS Joint Explanatory Statement is available here.

Reauthorize the READ Act, its critical to the wellbeing of the next generation of world citizens

BY REP. GRACE MENG (D-N.Y.) AND CAROL JENKINS, OPINION CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE HILL

The 2023-2024 school year is in full swing and millions of American children wake up each day and head to school. This reality is not possible without the tremendous teachers, school administrators, cafeteria workers and custodians, bus drivers, local and community leaders, and so many others — all of whom deserve our deep gratitude not only during this year’s American Education Week, but every day.  While we give thanks to educators in our own country, we must also remember that more than 250 million children around the world currently do not have the opportunity to attend school. According to the United Nations, 1 out of 10 children worldwide are not in school. In countries in Africa south of the Sahara the number of children out of school is even more staggering and the need for additional international focus and investment is even more acute.  

As a proud member of Congress from New York and the CEO of the international education non-profit, World Learning, we believe that education is paramount. We must prioritize access to quality education for every child in our own country and around the world. Quality education is just as critical for children in Queens as it is for children in Quito.  

At the individual level, education leads to improved health outcomes, lower rates of poverty, increased economic opportunity, and self-reliance. According to the World Bank, for communities, education spurs long-term economic growth, strengthens democratic institutions, and promotes social cohesion. Simply put, investing in education is not only the right thing to do, but it also supports our national security and shared economic prosperity.   

The United States, during both Republican and Democratic administrations, has been a leader in contributing to education programs in the developing world. During the previous fiscal year, through the tremendous work of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other government agencies, the U.S. was able to reach over 32 million learners in 97 countries, distribute over 12 million textbooks and other learning materials, and train and provide professional development to over 820,000 teachers and educators. USAID tracks these programs from year to year and measures and reports on the extent to which they’re improving both learning outcomes and capabilities within education systems. This critical monitoring and transparency was required by Congress in the bipartisan Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act of 2017. 

Thanks to the READ Act, we know that these programs are some of the best investments our government can make, particularly in countries with high youth populations in need of hope for the future. For example, in Pakistan between 2013 to 2019, World Learning worked in more than 3,000 under resourced schools to help nearly 120,000 marginalized first and second graders learn to read while also investing in a hands-on, collaborative training model for teachers that remains in place in many Pakistani primary schools today. In a country where millions of children, especially girls, are out of school, being able to read is one of the best ways to ensure that they can lead full and meaningful lives. 

Ultimately, it is up to Congress to ensure the U.S. remains a global champion for international education. A crucial way to do this is by reauthorizing the READ Act, which expired earlier this year. In addition to a data-rich annual report, the READ Act requires USAID to update its comprehensive strategy to improve educational opportunities in countries where there are significant barriers to school attendance, retention, and completion, especially for girls. The READ Act also created the important position of Coordinator for International Basic Education within USAID who is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all international education resources and activities across the U.S. government.  

We believe that reauthorizing the READ Act is critical to the wellbeing of the next generation of the world’s citizens. Thankfully, on Nov. 6, the Senate passed the READ Act and sent it to the House of Representatives, where it has broad, bipartisan support, but awaits committee consideration and passage. On behalf of the world’s children, we urge House leaders to quickly pass the READ Act, and send it to the president’s desk without further delay.  

Grace Meng is serving her sixth term in the United States House of Representatives, where she represents New York’s 6th District. Carol Jenkins is the CEO of World Learning, a Vermont-based international nongovernmental organization (NGO) and accredited academic institution.  

BEC Statement on Reauthorizing the READ Act

On Monday, the Senate passed the bipartisan and bicameral S. 41, the READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023. The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) for their leadership on the legislation, which reauthorizes the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act (P.L. 115-56) for an additional five fiscal years. It is now up to the House of Representatives to pass this critically important legislation, which will continue efforts to equitably expand access to basic education for children around the world.

The original READ Act required the U.S. to prioritize work with partner countries, other donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations, to promote quality basic education through programs and activities that:

1.     respond to the needs of developing countries to achieve improvements in literacy;

2.     strengthen education systems and expands access to safe learning;

3.     promote education as a foundation for sustained economic growth; and

4.     monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and quality of basic education programs in partner countries.

Since the READ Act was enacted, the United States Government has made tremendous progress advancing quality basic education around the world. In FY22 alone, basic education programs reached over 32 million learners in 97 countries around the world, distributed over 12 million textbooks and other learning materials, and trained and provided professional development to more than 820,000 teachers and educators.

The READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 will ensure that the U.S. continues to prioritize increasing access to quality education for some of the hundreds of millions of young people who are currently not in school, or who do not have access to education because of conflict or political instability.

In addition to its bipartisan, bicameral support, the READ Act Reauthorization Act has broad support from diverse civil society stakeholders, coalitions, and partners. 

BEC once again applauds the bipartisan efforts in the Senate to pass the bill and urges the House of Representatives to take up S. 41 and pass the bill as soon as possible.

You can read Senator Durbin and Rubio’s joint press release on Senate passage of the bill here.

Congress must reauthorize the READ Act and keep international education a priority

BY FORMER REPS. NITA LOWEY (D-N.Y.) AND ED ROYCE (R-CALIF.), OPINION CONTRIBUTORS

Getty Images

These days, it is not often that members of Congress face easy decisions. As the former chairs of the House Appropriations Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee, with almost 60 years of experience between the two of us in the House of Representatives, we know very well that most votes are tough votes. Thankfully, there is one pending decision before Congress that is not at all a tough one — that is, renewing our bipartisan support for international pre-primary, primary, and secondary education programs.  

In 2017, Congress passed the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act to ensure that the U.S. government had a comprehensive strategy to partner with countries around the world to strengthen their education systems, improve learning outcomes, and better reach young girls, as well as other vulnerable or marginalized populations.


As we all know, access to quality education affects every aspect of life, from health and economic development to civic participation and political stability. Education is truly the cornerstone of free and stable societies, building security, peace, and prosperity for everyone.  

Thanks in large part to the READ Act of 2017, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has led our whole-of-government efforts in over 50 countries to promote quality and inclusive basic education so that millions of children gain the skills to become productive members of their communities. In FY2020 alone, USAID helped educate over 24 million children and youth, trained more than 300,000 education officials, assisted more than 93,000 primary and secondary schools, and provided more than 580 higher education institutions with support.  

Unfortunately, the progress we’ve made in both access and quality of education is in jeopardy. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated education systems worldwide and many have not recovered. According to the World Bank, schools around the world were closed for an average of 141 days between February 2020 and February 2022. In South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean closures lasted over 200 days. Millions of children not only lost months of learning, but their mental and physical health, skills and job potential, and risk of being pushed into child labor, early marriage, conflict, and unsafe situations were all made significantly worse.

Even before COVID-19 emerged and disrupted access to education across the globe, there was a growing global emergency of children in crisis settings without access to education and nurturing care. In 2022, the World Bank estimated that 222 million school-aged children were affected by crises globally, with 127 million children in crisis settings out of school and many others receiving a poor quality education. The youngest, pre-primary, children suffer the worst outcomes when they are denied access to education and care in the most critical phase of early childhood development.  

This is why it is imperative for Congress to reauthorize the READ Act for another five years. Thanks to the leadership of Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), bipartisan, “clean” extensions of the legislation have been introduced in both chambers to ensure that the administration is held accountable for the results of its international education programs though annual reports to Congress and continues to update our basic education strategy.  
The READ Act is our best tool to keep international education a priority. We urge our former colleagues to reauthorize this important legislation before it expires in September. It is one vote that is both uncomplicated and non-controversial. 

Nita Lowey served in Congress from 1989-2021 and was the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee from 2018 until 2021. Ed Royce  served in Congress from 1993 to 2019 and was the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs from 2013-2019.

BEC Statement on Reauthorizing the READ Act

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) who, on International Day of Education, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act for an additional five fiscal years to equitably expand access to basic education for children around the globe.

“The reauthorization of the bipartisan READ Act would create strategies to provide clarity and transparency on the United States’ efforts to advance basic education in developing countries. This is an important step to help make up for the learning loss caused by COVID-19 and advance educational opportunities for children worldwide.” — Senator Rubio

“Given the terrible learning loss around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and troubling backsliding on girls' education in places such as Afghanistan, reauthorizing the READ Act couldn't come at a more important time. Doing so will ensure U.S. development programs continue to focus on providing basic education around a sound, long-term strategy – one that includes making sure girls have access to schooling. This legislation has strong bipartisan support, which we saw through its original passage into law in 2017 and SFRC passage of this reauthorization last Congress. I hope we can get it through the Senate and signed into law in the 118th Congress.” — Senator Durbin

The need to pass the READ Act Reauthorization has never been more important. As the world grapples with learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this critical legislation would continue the goal of providing access to education for some of the hundreds of millions of young people who are currently not in school, or who do not have access to education because of ongoing impacts of the pandemic, conflict, or political instability.

The READ Act amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and states that it shall be the policy of the United States to work with partner countries, other donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations, to promote quality basic education through programs and activities that:

1.   respond to the needs of developing countries to achieve improvements in literacy;

2.   strengthen education systems and expands access to safe learning;

3.   promote education as a foundation for sustained economic growth; and

4.   monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and quality of basic education programs in partner countries.

In addition to its bipartisan, bicameral support, the READ Act Reauthorization has broad support from diverse civil society stakeholders, coalitions, and partners. 

Read Senator Rubio’s full press release here.

Congress Introduces the Bipartisan Congressional Resolution Affirming the Role of the U.S. in Improving Access to Quality Education Globally

Tuesday, on the International Day of Education, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng, (D-NY) New York’s senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Mike Quigley (D-IL), Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan International Basic Education Caucus, and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the International Basic Education Caucus, announced that they introduced a bipartisan resolution that reaffirms U.S. support for access to education, globally.

The resolution highlights how access to education is critical for reducing poverty, improving peace and security, and increasing economic prosperity. Millions of students were out of school in countries across the globe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions more remain out of school and face multiple barriers to education. In recognition of the United States’ role in addressing the challenges students face to accessing education across the globe, the resolution calls for:

  • The U.S. Government to integrate education in all humanitarian response efforts, both bilateral and multilateral;

  • The U.S. Government to meet its various commitments to international basic education through its annual budget requests; and

  • The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to use all means at its disposal to promote access to quality education, globally, and commit to prioritizing quality and inclusive education for children and youth in emergency and crisis settings.  

“Millions of children and youth around the world do not have access to quality education,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It is imperative that the United States continues to make substantial investments in bilateral basic education as well as multilateral mechanisms like the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait, which are working to improve learning outcomes for the poorest and most marginalized children worldwide. On the International Day of Education, I am honored to lead a bipartisan resolution with my colleagues, Representatives Quigley and Fitzpatrick, to underscore Congress’ commitment to continuing U.S. leadership that ensures students have the educational tools to succeed. I look forward to the House passing our resolution and working with the Biden-Harris Administration to realize its goals.”

“The global COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts have demonstrated the ongoing need for U.S. leadership in prioritizing education access for all children and youth,” said Congressman Quigley. “As co-chair of the International Basic Education Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I have seen firsthand the need to protect global access to quality education. Education is the gateway to a successful future. Together, we can protect that future for generations around the globe.”

“To make meaningful progress in education on the international scale, our alliance with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is critical,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The COVID-19 pandemic created even more barriers to entry for educational access, and Congress must continue to support the GPE in a bipartisan way to bolster access to quality education.”

“On the 5th International Day of Education, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA commends Congress for placing a spotlight on the importance of continued U.S. support for international education programs including those that meet the needs of children and youth affected by crisis and conflict,” said the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA). “With over 103 million people currently displaced from their homes, students face significant odds in accessing a safe, inclusive, and quality education. Through multilateral partners, including Education Cannot Wait, and with leadership from members of Congress, including Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Mike Quigley, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the U.S. is well-positioned to address these challenges and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve an education.”

“Today, on International Day of Education, more than ever, we emphasize the importance of access to quality, inclusive education. The Basic Education Coalition applauds Reps. Meng, Fitzpatrick, and Quigley for their valued leadership on international education by introducing this bipartisan resolution affirming the role of the U.S. in improving access to quality education globally,” said Nancy Devine and Candace Debnam, Co-Chairs of the Basic Education Coalition. “Investing in education has a high-impact ripple effect, as it also reduces poverty, advances economic prosperity, improves peace and security, and strengthens public health. We look forward to continued collaboration with Congress, alongside the Biden administration, to make the goals of this resolution a reality.”

“COVID-19 disrupted schooling for children everywhere, and school closures still affect 616 million children globally. Without action, millions of children could miss out on the foundational learning that is their right,” said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS. “By investing in foundational learning and the right to education for every child, the U.S. strengthens the global effort against poverty and helps ensure every child has access to the quality learning that they deserve. As a network of grassroots advocates, RESULTS and our partners support the International Day of Education and urge bold continued U.S. commitments to global education."        

“Global Campaign for Education-US is proud to support the Bipartisan Congressional Resolution Affirming the Role of the U.S. in Improving Access to Quality Education Globally,” said Jennifer Rigg, Executive Director of Global Campaign for Education-US. “At a time when 617 million children are unable to read and complete basic math, the need for robust U.S. government support to bilateral education programs and multilateral partnerships, including the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait, is greater than ever. We applaud Representatives Meng, Fitzpatrick, and Quigley for their leadership, and urge the U.S. government to swiftly support this vital bipartisan resolution.” 

“Quality education empowers children and young people, breaking the cycle of poverty and safeguarding their health and well-being. Two-thirds of all 10-year-olds are unable to read or understand a simple story. On this International Day of Education, we ask Congress to act with urgency,” said Michael J, Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA CEO and President. “We express gratitude for the U.S. government’s leadership on international basic education and urge increased bilateral and multilateral investments to stem the learning crisis and reach the world’s most vulnerable children.” 

The bipartisan resolution is endorsed by RESULTS, the Global Campaign for Education-US, the Basic Education Coalition, Jesuit Refugee Service, Magis Americas, Childhood Education International, Save the Children, World Learning, Right to Play, Winrock International, and UNICEF USA.

A copy of the resolution is available here. 

BEC Statement on the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus

The Basic Education Coalition (BEC) applauds Congressional leaders for passing the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, especially House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX); Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Vice Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL); and Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Hal Rogers (R-KY) for their work to provide robust support for international basic education in fiscal year 2023.

“We are thrilled to see the $20 million increase for international basic education in the FY23 Omnibus, $277 million above the President’s proposed funding level,” said BEC Co-Chair Nancy Devine, Senior Vice President, Education Development Center. “We want to extend our deep gratitude to Congress for its support for these critical programs and hope to see continued support in upcoming appropriations processes in the 118th Congress.”

 “After years of uncertainty and disruptions to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of ongoing conflict and crises around the world, it is critical that Congress continues to support and prioritize international basic education,” said BEC Co-Chair Candace Debnam, Executive Director, School to School International. “The basic education community commends Congress for its commitment to children around the world in the FY23 Omnibus.”

The FY2023 Omnibus provides $970 million for international basic education, $277 million above the Biden Administration’s request. It includes $130 million for the Global Partnership for Education and $30 million for Education Cannot Wait. It also recommends that $150 million be allocated for girls’ education in areas of conflict.

The text of the FY23 Omnibus is available here and the State and Foreign Operations Explanatory Statement is available here.

The Basic Education Coalition (BEC) is a group of leading US-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education. By leveraging our collective technical expertise and combining advocacy efforts, BEC members raise a unified voice to ensure US policymakers support and strengthen education for the developing world.

BEC & World Vision Urge Congress to Pass the Keeping Girls in School Act

“As a Christian organization that believes human life begins at conception, World Vision is proud to support the Keeping Girls in School Act. The challenges that keep girls from completing secondary education are complex and often multi-sectored, so we must commit to a stronger approach to address these cultural, economic, and equity obstacles holistically. We appreciate that significant changes to improve the bipartisan support for bill were made ahead of the House Foreign Affairs Committee mark-up. Girls deserve every opportunity to reach their God-given potential and we urge Congress to pass this bill.”
— Lisa Bos, World Vision Senior Director of Government Relations

The Basic Education Coalition and World Vision urge the House and the Senate to pass the Keeping Girls in School Act, H.R. 4134, before the end of this calendar year. The time to pass this essential, bipartisan, widely-supported bill is now. Millions of girls around the world are in urgent need. 

Before the pandemic, approximately 130 million girls around the world were not enrolled in school, and millions more failing to acquire basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills. With COVID–19 school closures affecting nearly 91 percent of the world’s student population, over 743 million girls have had their education disrupted. Impacts of these disruptions will continue to disproportionately affect girls for years to come.

H.R. 4134 will address these urgent needs. The bill has been an inspiring example of both sides of the aisle working together for the greater good. Both parties have showcased their willingness to collaborate in honor of the common goal of supporting girls around the world through repeated revisions to the bill’s language. BEC and World Vision implore Congress to maintain this collaborative spirit and focus on this common goal by passing the Keeping Girls in School Act now.

Photo Credit: Room to Read

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization and a valued member of the Basic Education Coalition. World Vision partners with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading international development organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

UNICEF USA, ChildFund and the Basic Education Coalition Host Joint Event to Support the Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 4314)

NEW YORK (September 22, 2022)

On Thursday, September 22, UNICEF, ChildFund International and the Basic Education Coalition, along with colleagues from World Vision, Plan International and others, hosted the event “Keeping Girls in School: U.S. Foreign Policy for Global Prosperity” on Capitol Hill, which urged Congress to pass the bill this legislative session.

The event was hosted by singer, actor, producer, and UNICEF Ambassador Sofia Carson (Purple Hearts) moderated by ChildFund’s Erin Kennedy, with remarks by Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Congressman Michael Waltz (R-FL), and World Vision US Senior Advisor for Education, Alisa Phillips. The highlight of the program was the featured youth panelists, Tia El Tenn, 22, from Lebanon, and Victoria Bradley, 18, from Detroit, Michigan.

“There is no force more powerful than that of an educated woman. As a UNICEF USA Ambassador, I have dedicated my voice to the protection and education of young women so that access to education is not a privilege, but an inalienable right. It is our duty to protect girls in every corner of the world and ensure that the Keeping Girls in School Act is passed now. They are our future. And they need us, today.”
— Sofia Carson
“When girls are educated, their futures are brighter and their communities are safer and more prosperous. There are millions of girls around the world living in war torn and undeveloped countries who are struggling to get the education they need and deserve. The Keeping Girls in School Act will help tackle barriers to secondary education for young women across the globe.”
— Rep. Frankel
“It’s essential to global security that girls around the world have access to an education. I’ve seen time and time again that in societies where women thrive, extremism doesn’t. The United States must continue to support efforts to elevate women around the world.”
— Rep. Waltz

This event comes on the heels of the UN Transforming Education Summit which wrapped on Monday, with global commitments to education made, including by the U.S. The Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 4314) passed the House in the 116th Congress, with over 100 bipartisan cosponsors. More than 50 diverse faith-based and international NGOs endorse the legislation.

Girls around the world face increasingly challenging barriers to education access, particularly those from low- and lower-income countries. There has been some progress towards gender equality in primary education, however, the gap that exists around adolescent girls receiving a secondary education is immense. Nearly 130 million girls worldwide are not enrolled in school, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the crisis, with estimates that 11 million girls globally may not return to school at all.

Barriers that prevent girls from achieving an education include a lack of safety at school, experiencing harassment and other forms of physical, sexual, or psychological violence; child, early, or forced marriage; and caregiving responsibilities, and more.

The Keeping Girls in School Act would direct USAID to prioritize funding for adolescent girls to access secondary education in countries where they are more likely than boys to drop out of school. It would also help to improve safe, inclusive educational opportunities for girls by combatting the challenges they face in accessing and remaining enrolled in school and requires an updated U.S. global strategy on adolescent girls’ empowerment.

When girls stay in school, everyone benefits. In fact, for every dollar spent on holistic programming to ensure girls are educated, there is a $2.80 return – which means billions of dollars in extra GDP. Additionally, when girls stay in school, they live longer, are healthier, and earn more income so they can support their families and greater communities. The Keeping Girls in School Act must be passed now.

For more information please contact:

Julianne O’Connell, UNICEF USA, (908)328-6060, joconnell@unicefusa.org

Rachel Clement, ChildFund, rclement@childfund.org

Kitty Close, Basic Education Coalition, kclose@basiced.org

BEC Statement on the Reauthorization of the READ Act

Today, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan and bicameral H.R. 7240, the READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) for their leadership on the legislation to reauthorize the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act for an additional five fiscal years. It is now up to the Senate to pass this critically important legislation, which will equitably expand access to basic education for children around the world.

Since the READ Act was first signed into law five years ago, there has been tremendous progress in advancing quality basic education around the world. In 2018, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) released the U.S. Government Strategy (Strategy) on International Basic Education for Fiscal Years 2019-2023, which has since demonstrated the U.S. Government’s commitment to international education and leadership on pressing international education challenges.

The READ Act Reauthorization would continue the goal of providing access to education for some of the hundreds of millions of young people who are currently not in school, or who do not have access to education because of conflict or political instability.

The READ Act amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and states that it shall be the policy of the United States to work with partner countries, other donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations, to promote quality basic education through programs and activities that:

1.   respond to the needs of developing countries to achieve improvements in literacy;

2.   strengthen education systems and expands access to safe learning;

3.   promote education as a foundation for sustained economic growth; and

4.   monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and quality of basic education programs in partner countries.

In addition to its bipartisan, bicameral support, the READ Act Reauthorization has broad support from diverse civil society stakeholders, coalitions, and partners. 

Read Rep. Karen Bass’ full press release here.

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

BEC Statement on the Reauthorization of the READ Act

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) who, yesterday, reintroduced the bipartisan and bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act for an additional five fiscal years to equitably expand access to basic education for children around the globe.

“Basic education is unequivocally one of the most important resources young people need to grow into the strong leaders, doctors, business owners, and economic contributors of their nations. This is why I am introducing the READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. Basic education is a global human right, and we must continue to lead the effort to ensure that all young people have adequate access to that right, especially now given the major impact COVID-19 has had on the education system.”
— Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA)

There has been tremendous progress in advancing quality basic education around the world since the READ Act was first signed into law five years ago. In 2018, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) released the U.S. Government Strategy (Strategy) on International Basic Education for Fiscal Years 2019-2023, which has since demonstrated the U.S. Government’s commitment to international education and leadership on pressing international education challenges. The READ Act Reauthorization would continue the goal of providing access to education for some of the hundreds of millions of young people who are currently not in school, or who do not have access to education because of conflict or political instability.

The READ Act amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and states that it shall be the policy of the United States to work with partner countries, other donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations, to promote quality basic education through programs and activities that:

  1. respond to the needs of developing countries to achieve improvements in literacy;

  2. strengthen education systems and expands access to safe learning;

  3. promote education as a foundation for sustained economic growth; and

  4. monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and quality of basic education programs in partner countries.

In addition to its bipartisan, bicameral support, the READ Act Reauthorization has broad support from diverse civil society stakeholders, coalitions, and partners. 

Read Rep. Karen Bass’ full press release here.

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

BEC Statement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ranking Member Hal Rogers (R-KY), Chairman Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and other Members of Congress for including $950 million for the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022

Sustained funding for international basic education will ensure that U.S. foreign assistance continues to aid children, youth, and education systems in our partners countries in the recovery from the largest disruption to education in modern history.

As the World Bank estimates global learning poverty - the proportion of 10-year-olds unable to read a short, age-appropriate text - could increase from 53 percent to 70 percent of children living in low- and middle-income countries, fiscal year 2022 funding for international basic education will support much needed efforts to mitigate loss of learning and instructional time, increased rates of school dropout, and other harms caused by the pandemic.

The Basic Education Coalition encourages Members of Congress to support this critical funding for international basic education and pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022.

 

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

BEC Statement on Senate FY2022 State & Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Bill

The Basic Education Coalition urges Congress to support the House of Representatives’ FY2022 funding level of $950 million for basic education in the final conference negotiations for the FY2022 State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) appropriations bill.

The Senate FY2022 SFOPS funding level for Basic Education would decrease funding for bilateral U.S. Government basic education programs by 34 percent. As students, teachers, and school systems around the world seek to recover from the largest disruption to education in modern history, the United States must remain a leader in the international effort to improve access to quality education for vulnerable children and youth.

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

BEC Statement on the House of Representatives’ Passage of the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Congresswoman Houlahan, Congressman Quigley, Congressman Fitzpatrick, and Members of the House of Representatives for passing the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act today with broad bipartisan support.

“We cannot overstate the profound impact COVID-19 is having on education across the world. This education gap has the potential to hinder global efforts on economic justice, lasting peace, poverty eradication, ending world hunger, gender equity and more. As a steadfast advocate for women and girls around the world, I’m particularly concerned about the harrowing consequences school-aged girls face in light of school closures – including an increased likelihood of gender-based violence. I am so proud to announce that our bill addressing this gap has passed the House with bipartisan support. I am grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Quigley for their staunch support for the legislation and efforts to begin addressing this dramatic gap in education across the world. As leaders on the international stage, the United States needs to be doing everything we can to mitigate the effects of such an education gap and stand up for the world’s youth. This bill is a critical first step in that mission.”
— Representative Houlahan
“This past year has deeply tested students both here in the United States and around the world. To move forward successfully in this new world, we need to understand exactly what our students and education systems need not just to survive but to thrive. I’m proud to have voted for our legislation’s passage in the House today, and I am committed to advocating for it until it is signed into law.”
— Representative Quigley
“We know that protracted school closures can lead to loss of learning and other harms for vulnerable children and youth, and it is vital that we respond to the largest disruption to education in modern history by ensuring that learners are supported to return to school and resume their education. Passage of this important bill strengthens the international effort to address learning loss, mitigate the risk of dropout and other harms, and ultimately help students recover from COVID-19 and reach their full potential.”
— Nancy Devine & Candace Debnam, Co-Chairs of the Basic Education Coalition

The bipartisan Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2021 will help improve the quality and reach of international education assistance by requiring USAID to submit a report to Congress that assesses the impact of the pandemic on children and youth around the world and outlines the response that is needed to mitigate learning loss and help students get back on track.

The Basic Education Coalition looks forward to working Sen. Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Boozman (R-AR) to advance the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act in the Senate and pass this legislation into law.

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

BEC Statement on the Introduction of the Keeping Girls in School Act

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The Basic Education Coalition applauds Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL), Congressman Michael Waltz (R-FL), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Keeping Girls in School Act.

In many countries, barriers such as child marriage, early pregnancy and motherhood, and gender-based violence can prevent girls from completing their education and reaching their full potential. The Keeping Girls in School Act will help adolescent girls remain and succeed in secondary school by directing U.S. foreign assistance to address the specific barriers that adolescent girls face in continuing their education.

“It is imperative that U.S. foreign assistance aim to break down gender-related barriers to education, particularly in secondary school when adolescent girls are at risk of dropping out, and the Keeping Girls in School Act will help ensure that girls’ education programs promote holistic and multi-sectoral solutions that prioritize gender equity and broaden support for girls’ education at every level of society.”
— Nancy Devine & Candace Debnam, Co-Chairs of the Basic Education Coalition
“When girls are educated their futures are brighter. This means greater prosperity and security for their families, communities, and the world. 11 million girls are at risk of never returning to school around the world right now, which means there are 11 million reasons that we need to care about this issue. This bill will tackle the barriers keeping girls out of school, and help build a more peaceful, prosperous, and equitable world.”
— Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL)
“As a Green Beret who has operated all over the world, I have seen firsthand that in societies where women thrive, extremism doesn’t. Adolescent girls are disproportionately at risk of dropping out of school than boys. The Keeping Girls in School Act will help ensure girls can safely access the proper education they deserve. Girls’ education is essential to our national security and this legislation will help make the United States and the world safer places.”
— Congressman Michael Waltz (R-FL)
“When girls are empowered with access to quality education, it sets their societies on the fast track for success and economic development. That’s why addressing the global gender education gap must be a critical U.S. policy priority. I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that requires a global strategy to address barriers impeding education while getting to the root causes of these disparities. I’m glad to partner with Senator Murkowski on this crucial legislation to make clear the U.S. has a moral obligation to act now to protect and educate girls across the world.”
— Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
“On the global scale, there are a staggering number of girls who are not in school because their attendance is deterred by unsafe environments, forced marriages, domestic violence, harassment, or poor socioeconomic status. These are all tragic obstacles, but through this legislation we have an opportunity to help. Education is a key factor in creating a healthy, successful future, both for individuals and for society at large. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation that will help break down barriers and give millions of girls in primary school and for young women pursuing a secondary education the chance to make attending school a reality.”
— Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

The Basic Education Coalition looks forward to working with Congress and the more than 50 supporting nongovernmental organizations to ensure that this important piece of legislation becomes law.

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

BEC Applauds the Bipartisan Reintroduction of the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2021

The Basic Education Coalition applauds Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) for reintroducing the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2021.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the education of the world’s children and severely exacerbated a pre-existing global learning crisis. For children who have been deprived of access to school and distance learning during the pandemic, learning loss and other harms pose a generational threat that could widen existing gaps in educational and economic attainment.

The bipartisan, bicameral Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2021 emphasizes the need to mitigate these risks and ensure continuity of learning for the 1.6 billion children and youth around the world whose education has been disrupted by COVID-19. The Act will help improve the quality and reach of international education assistance by gathering critical data on learning loss, identifying gaps in access to education during the pandemic, and outlining the response that is needed to help learners recover from COVID-19, return to learning, and reach their full potential.

“We cannot overstate the profound impact COVID-19 is having on education across the world. This education gap has the potential to hinder global efforts on economic justice, lasting peace, poverty eradication, ending world hunger, gender equity and more. As a steadfast advocate for women and girls around the world, I’m particularly concerned about the harrowing consequences school-aged girls face in light of school closures – including an increased likelihood of gender-based violence. I am glad to be leading a bicameral effort with colleagues from across the aisle to ensure we in the United States are doing everything we can to mitigate the effects of such an education gap and stand up for the world’s youth.”
— Representative Houlahan
“The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected every corner of the US government, including foreign aid and development. USAID’s mission is vital to America’s international relationship building, and Congress needs a thorough understanding of the impact the pandemic has had on that mission if we hope to successfully continue our global basic education programs in the future. A detailed report is the first step to developing that critical understanding and effectively supporting USAID moving forward. We are glad to be leading this bipartisan effort to ensure that the United States is doing everything we can to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and stand up for the world’s youth.”
— Representatives Fitzpatrick and Quigley, Co-Chairs of the International Basic Education Caucus
“Education loss due to the pandemic is going to reverberate throughout the globe long after COVID-19 is contained, and its impact will be more than empty classrooms. Education loss has the potential to fuel hunger, poverty, and violence. It also undermines equality, especially for girls and young women, as well as stability all over the world. We have a responsibility to mitigate this crisis before an entire generation is left behind.”
— Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
“Understanding the impact COVID-19 has on the education of children around the world is important to our long-term investment in international education programs. Having detailed information about these current challenges will help us innovate the delivery of academic opportunities so students can continue to receive a quality education when faced with unexpected circumstances. I appreciate Senator Cardin’s leadership to ensure no student is left behind.”
— Senator Boozman

The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.

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