The Basic Education Coalition (BEC) applauds Congressional leaders for passing the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. We are especially grateful to Ranking Member Lowey (D-NY), Chairman Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), and SFOPs Subcommittee Chairman Rogers (R-KY) for their work on the Appropriations Committee to provide robust support for international basic education in fiscal year 2018.
“Despite deep and severe proposed cuts from the Administration, our elected officials in Congress rose to the occasion on behalf of the American people and ensured that millions of children around the world will continue to receive the education that they deserve” said BEC Co-Chairs Dan Stoner, VP of International Programs, Education and Child Protection for Save the Children-US and Jerrold Keilson, VP of International Programs, Policy and Systems Changes for the American Institutes of Research.
“We hope Congress will continue to support these vital programs throughout the FY19 appropriations process. The President’s proposed 51% cut for the FY19 basic education funding level would jeopardize the noteworthy progress we’ve made thus far” said Stoner and Keilson.
Since 2011, US education projects have reached over 50 million learners in 51 countries. USAID’s programs ensure that students develop the necessary skills to be part of the global workforce, have safe learning opportunities, and have equitable access to quality education. To reach the millions of children and youth who are still out of school, especially those who have been affected by conflict, it is imperative that the US government continue to exemplify global leadership and work with foreign governments to provide equitable access to quality education for all children.
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 policy makers support and strengthen education for the developing world.