BEC Statement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member Hal Rogers (R-KY), Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-NH), and other Members of Congress for including $950 million for international basic education in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The Basic Education Coalition also congratulates Chairwoman Nita Lowey on the well-deserved honor of designating funds for international basic education in this Act as the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund.

In a time when nearly 1.5 billion children and youth have had their education disrupted by COVID-19, this vital increase in support for education will address the urgent and growing needs of vulnerable populations. School closures and lack of access to distance learning resources pose long-term risks to children’s learning, mental and physical health, nutrition, and well-being. U.S. foreign assistance helps mitigate these risks by providing innovative solutions to support the continued development and education of children and youth around the world.

The fiscal year 2021 funding for international basic education, including the $150 million for girls’ education in conflict areas, will support efforts to improve and expand access to distance learning opportunities, safely reopen schools, launch inclusive re-enrollment campaigns, and establish remedial and accelerated learning programs to ensure that children and youth continue on their academic journey and complete their education. The Basic Education Coalition encourages Members of Congress to support this critical funding for international basic education and pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

BEC International Basic Education Recommendations for President-Elect Biden

We’re looking forward to working with President-elect Joe Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, and the rest of the new administration to provide children around the world with quality education. As the Biden-Harris administration plans for the next four years, we encourage their consideration of the following international education recommendations from the Basic Education Coalition.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey Honored for Lasting Legacy on Global Education

Members of Congress, USAID, international NGOs and youth advocates participate in virtual farewell event.

Washington, DC (October 9, 2020) - On October 9, the Basic Education Coalition and others from the global education community honored Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and her legacy of improving education around the world. Among her many achievements, Congresswoman Lowey led international education funding increases and authored the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act, which was signed into law in 2017 and established access to quality basic education in developing countries as a key objective of U.S. foreign policy. Congresswoman Lowey will be retiring at the end of this session after 32 years in the U.S. Congress.

A diverse array of advocates, stakeholders and beneficiaries offered remarks and accolades at this virtual event moderated by Raj Kumar, President & Editor-in-Chief at Devex. 

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai reflected on her first meeting with Congresswoman Lowey on Capitol Hill in 2017 and feeling encouraged by the Congresswoman’s advocacy for girls’ education.

“We discussed the barriers that prevent more than 130 million girls from their education and also talked about what we can do to ensure all girls can go to school. I left that room with hope. There are still so many things that need to be done. We need to ensure change in the education system, in the economies, in the political system that we live in, so it works for girls, not against them.”

— Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai

Congresswoman Lowey’s fellow Members of Congress joined to share their memories of working alongside the congresswoman. The bipartisan group featured numerous State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Members, including Rep. Frankel (D-FL), Rep. Meng (D-NY), Rep. Lee (D-CA), Rep. Price (D-NC), and Rep. Torres (D-CA), as well as Rep. Jeffries (D-NY) and Rep. DeLauro (D-CT).

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Congressional International Basic Education Caucus, emphasized:

“It has been an honor to serve in the House with Congresswoman Lowey and serve alongside her on the International Basic Education Caucus. Education is not only a critical issue here in the United States, but one of the most important initiatives that we pursue abroad. Supporting basic education supports international growth and strengthens the US’s standing around the world. No one understands this better than Congresswoman Lowey. Throughout her career she has prioritized education and led the way for so many of us who have come after her. Our responsibility now is to continue her mission in the years to come.”

— Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Congressional International Basic Education Caucus

House Appropriations Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) stated:

“I learned so much from Mrs. Lowey over the years….one of the issues that she brought to my attention is how important it is to invest in educating women and girls around the world. Improvements in basic education would not have been possible without Nita’s tireless efforts and insistence that funding was prioritized regardless of who was in the White House.”

— House Appropriations Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX)

World Vision Young Leader Lamia, age 16, from Bangladesh offered these powerful words:

“I truly believe that if a child gets quality education, he or she will be able to stand on her own feet, become independent, and solve her own problems.... I would like to call on leaders of governments, organizations, and the private sector to come forward and extend support to the most vulnerable families and ensure child education.”

— World Vision Young Leader, Lamia, from Bangladesh

As the event concluded, Congresswoman Lowey imparted these final words:

“I can’t tell you how much this means to me, I am so touched and honored. I would especially like to thank my colleagues...but none of the achievements were made alone. Everyone here today cares deeply about ensuring that children everywhere have an opportunity to receive a good education. All of us have kept the momentum going in this effort. I am so grateful for the work that all who appeared today do and continue to do. Although I’m retiring, I will continue to champion global education.”

— Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY)

The global education community will miss her greatly in Congress and will strive to continue her work to provide access to a quality education for all. 

---

Event sponsors were the Basic Education Coalition, Education Cannot Wait, Global Campaign for Education-US, Global Citizen, Global Partnership for Education, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, Malala Fund, RESULTS, Save the Children, UNICEF USA, World Learning and World Vision US.

BEC Applauds the Bipartisan Introduction of the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020

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 introducing the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020.

School closures put children and youth at increased risk of interrupted learning, poor nutrition, gaps in childcare, school dropout, exposure to violence, and social isolation. The bipartisan, bicameral Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2020 emphasizes the need to mitigate these risks and ensure continuity of learning for the 1.7 billion children and youth around the world whose education has been disrupted by COVID-19.

The Global Learning Loss Assessment Act will help improve the quality and reach of international education assistance by gathering critical data on learning loss, identifying gaps in access to distance learning, and outlining the needed support to increase the effectiveness of international education assistance during and after the pandemic.

“The coronavirus pandemic has affected every corner of US government, including foreign aid and development. USAID’s mission is vital to America’s international relationship building. Congress needs a thorough understanding of how the pandemic has impacted that mission if we hope to continue our global basic education programs successfully in the future. USAID providing Congress with a report is the first step to developing that understanding and supporting USAID effectively moving forward.”

— Rep. Quigley & Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chairs of the Congressional 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. It has the potential to fuel hunger, poverty, and violence while undermining 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

“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

“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 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 Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund

In a moving display of bipartisanship, the House Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment offered by Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) to the FY2021 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill that renames funds provided for basic education as the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund.

The Basic Education Coalition congratulates Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) on this extraordinarily well-deserved honor. Congresswoman Lowey’s dedication to improving access to quality education for children and youth around the world is unparalleled, and we are truly grateful for her many years of service.

“This amendment designates the funding made available in the act for basic education as the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund. Our distinguished Chair is admired and respected around the world because of her dedication and hard work in pursuit of global development, and she is passionate about these issues. But her top priority is basic education. She’s educated many of us on the fact that basic education is fundamental in building successful development programs. Madame Chair, your efforts have indeed been heroic, and your passion an inspiration to all of us and to the world. This amendment is intended to remind all of us to carry on your good work in your name, and we shall.”

— Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY).

“No one can say they have done more than Nita Lowey to advance the cause of basic education, especially for the most vulnerable. Her legacy will be a generation of educated girls who will have the power to shape their future and ours.”

— Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)

“As I have said many, many times, education is the greatest force multiplier in foreign aid. We are losing our greatest opportunity by not ensuring the 300 million children who were out of school before the current crisis have this basic right. Now with the closure of schools facing billions of young people and record setting conflict and displacement, it is particularly important to address the educational needs of children and young people in crisis and conflict settings. When I joined the Congress, we were spending roughly $67 million on basic education. I am incredibly proud that this bill today includes $975 million for these programs... Please don’t give up on these young people, and get them back into school. Our number is even greater than before the current crisis. They are our best hope for better leadership, new discoveries, and a safe planet.”

— Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY).

BEC Statement on House FY2021 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations Bill

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member Hal Rogers (R-KY), and the Members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) for including $975 million for basic education in the FY2021 SFOPS appropriations bill and an additional $150 million in emergency COVID-19 funding to support basic and higher education needs during the pandemic.

In a time when nearly all children and youth have had their education disrupted by COVID-19, this vital increase in support for education will help address the urgent and growing needs of vulnerable populations. Additionally, nationwide school closures pose long-term risks to children’s learning, mental and physical health, nutrition, and well-being. U.S. foreign assistance mitigates these risks by providing innovative solutions to support the continued development and education of children and youth around the world.

If enacted, the resources provided in the FY2021 House SFOPS bill, including the funds to respond to COVID-19 and support girls’ education in conflict settings, will help expand distance learning opportunities, safely reopen schools, launch inclusive re-enrollment campaigns, and support remedial and accelerated learning programs to ensure that children and youth continue on their academic journey and complete their education. The Basic Education Coalition encourages Members of Congress to support this critical FY2021 funding for international basic education.

---

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.

Basic Education Coalition Statement on Congressional Letter to USAID re: Education and COVID-19

The Basic Education Coalition (BEC) thanks Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) for encouraging USAID to include education and distance learning opportunities for the 1.5 billion students whose education has been disrupted in the multi-sector international response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The consequences of protracted school closures around the world are undeniable. In addition to the loss of instructional time, school closures can negatively affect children’s mental and physical health, nutrition, and well-being. Timely U.S. foreign assistance efforts can mitigate these risks by providing innovative solutions to support the continued development and education of children and youth in need of assistance.

Read the full letter here.

“While these school closures are necessary to reduce the spread of the virus, USAID must take immediate action, so no child’s education is stalled during these difficult and challenging times, parents and teachers need access to online tools and resources to continue educating all children, including those with disabilities, while their schools are closed for the unforeseeable future.”

— Mike Quigley, Founder/Co-Chair, Congressional International Basic Education Caucus

“Education is one of the most important tools for success in our world. During these uncertain times, we must do whatever we can to protect basic education and learning however we can. Distance learning must be prioritized to help provide quality education to our children. I am proud to partner with my colleagues to fight for this critical service.”

— Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

“We must work together to limit the permanent impacts of this pandemic on our children. Supporting distance learning for the 1.5 billion children and youth whose instruction has been suspended as a result of the spread of COVID-19 would be not only a long-term investment in the global economy but also a critical investment in the health and well-being of families around the world. Time and time again we have seen the devastating effects interrupted learning and the loss of instruction time can have on a student’s mental and physical health. It is critical USAID include distance learning in its multi-sector response to COVID-19.”

— Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY)

“We’ve learned from past outbreaks that continued education and distance learning can help children and families cope with the disruption to their daily lives. Including education in USAID’s multi-sector strategic response to COVID-19 will ensure that international education programs provide learning opportunities for vulnerable children and youth who now face a heightened risk of delayed development, exploitation, and drop out. ”

— Nancy Devine, BEC Co-Chair and Senior Vice President of the Education Development Center.

“Innovative approaches to distance learning should be a vital component of our international response to COVID-19. The needs of children and youth are an absolute priority in this time of unprecedented school closures around the world.”

— Candace Debnam, BEC Co-Chair and Executive Director of School-to-School International.

---

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.

Basic Education Coalition Statement on Passage of the Keeping Girls in School Act by the U.S. House of Representatives

The Basic Education Coalition congratulates the United States House of Representatives for passing the Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 2153). The Coalition is especially thankful for the leadership of Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL), Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-IN), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) in achieving this important milestone for adolescent girls’ education around the world.

U.S. international education assistance should aim to achieve equality at the local and systemic levels, so that all children—regardless of their gender—realize their full potential and graduate ready to lead their nations towards economic and social stability.

Evidence shows that enrolling and keeping girls in school can positively impact their health, economic prosperity, and the security of their communities and countries. Unfortunately, barriers such as child marriage, harassment and violence in schools, and social discrimination frequently keep girls from benefiting from long-term, quality education.

International education programs authorized under this Act will prioritize delivering tangible results and improvements in the lives of adolescent girls by addressing the specific barriers that adolescent girls face in continuing their education. H.R. 2153 recognizes that efforts to keep girls in school and overcome barriers to their education requires a holistic approach, with attention to rights, quality of education, health, safety, and harmful practices.

The Basic Education Coalition looks forward to working with Senator Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Murkowski (R-AK) in 2020 to pass this important piece of legislation in the U.S. Senate and ultimately have it signed 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.

Trafficking in Persons Report

The State Department released the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report on June 20th. The Administration has the ability to apply sanctions and suspend some types of foreign assistance to countries that are designated as Tier 3 in the TIP report (countries that are deemed as not taking significant action to combat human trafficking). Here is the link to the 2019 report. It is important to note that Laos is no longer listed as Tier 3 in the 2019 report and should not be subject to any TIP report-related sanctions activity going forward. The DRC and South Sudan are once again listed as Tier 3 in the 2019 report, however no other countries that receive education funding from the U.S. were added to the Tier 3 category this year.

Appropriations

The House of Representatives’ FY2020 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill includes $925,000,000 for Basic Education, of which $100,000,000 is designated for the Global Partnership for Education and $25,000,000 is designated for Education Cannot Wait. The accompanying FY20 House appropriations report also includes positive language on foundational skills, local capacity building, leadership development, girls’ education, early childhood education, early childhood development, and cross-sectoral programming. The Senate's proposed FY20 funding levels will be released later this summer.