The Basic Education Coalition applauds Congress for including $875,000,000 for international basic education in the fiscal year 2020 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill and we encourage both chambers of Congress to swiftly pass this legislation into law. The increase in Congressional support for international education ensures that the United States will continue to be a leader in the effort to improve education opportunities for marginalized children and youth around the world.
The Coalition is especially grateful for the leadership of Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member Hal Rogers (R-KY), Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT). This vital increase in resources for international basic education will help reach the 258 million children and youth who are out-of-school and the millions more who are failing to acquire basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills.
In a world where far too many children are deprived of the opportunity to learn, expanded U.S. international basic education programming will ensure that more children and youth gain the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.
The Basic Education Coalition looks forward to partnering with Congress and USAID to achieve the goals of the U.S. Government Strategy on International Basic Education and expand programs to vulnerable populations so that all children have access to the quality education that they deserve.
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.