BEC Co-Hosts THRIVE Event on Capitol Hill

On November 19th, 2019, over 100 attendees representing congressional offices, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy networks gathered on Capitol Hill to learn more about ways the US Government can support the world’s youngest citizens in the most fragile contexts at the event “Ensuring All Children Thrive: Early Childhood Development in Conflict and Crisis Settings.” The event, moderated by Bill O’Keefe of Catholic Relief Services, featured an esteemed panel comprised of Dr. Fan Tait of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Ms. Sarah Gesiriech of USAID, Dr. Pia Britto of UNICEF, and Mr. Danny Labin of Sesame Workshop. Follow the Thrive Coalition on twitter @ThriveCoalition. 

U.S. Government Strategy on International Basic Education- 2019 Interim Report Submitted to Congress

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) submitted a report to Congress as an interim progress update in response to the requirement of the READ Act of 2017. This report describes the implementation of the U.S. Government International Strategy for Basic Education for the period of September 14, 2018, to March 31, 2019. The USG Departments and Agencies involved in the Strategy reported data on progress by utilizing existing reporting indicators for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. The data provide a snapshot of the extent to which the USG’s international basic education assistance is approaching the goals articulated in the READ Act.

KEEPING GIRLS IN SCHOOL ACT BRIEFING ON CAPITOL HILL

On June 19th, BEC, in partnership with Girls Not Brides USA, The Coalition for Adolescent Girls, Global Citizen, UNICEF USA, and World Vision, sponsored a Congressional staff briefing on Keeping Girls in School Around the World. The briefing focused on the Keeping Girls in School Act (H.R. 2153) and the need for U.S. foreign assistance to address the barriers that keep adolescent girls out of school internationally. The event featured remarks by Rep. Quigley (D-IL), Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Frankel (D-FL), and Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya. BEC Executive Board Member, Heather Simpson, moderated the widely-attended event.

"THE DELIVERY APPROACH" by BEC & CAMBRIDGE ED

The event on June 18th introduced and explored new research regarding impact of Delivery Approaches on education systems and learning outcomes, and built on a recent UNICEF Think Piece. This latest work was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Lead presenter, Robin Todd, is a Senior Education Adviser at Cambridge Education and served on a Government Delivery Unit, assigned by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Robin shared about his experiences and research findings and opened up a discussion for participants to learn about, question and critique the work done to date.

PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT DIALOGUE with USAID

On June 6th, BEC members met with USAID representatives to provide input for USAID's Private Sector Engagement planning. USAID sees the private sector as an engine of growth and self-reliance for developing countries, and they are working to identify shared interests and value in achieving education goals. BEC is currently circulating a member survey to gather additional input regarding implementers' experiences with Private Sector Engagement. BEC will continue to provide feedback to enrich and guide planning for strategic Private Sector Engagement in education.

SID-W GLOBAL ED POLICY PANEL ft. BEC

The Society for International Development- Washington DC hosted their 2019 Annual Conference on May 30th, 2019 at the Ronald Reagan Building. Anne Simmons-Benton (Arizona State University) chaired the conference committee. The conference, attended by nearly a thousand international scholars and practitioners, featured a Global Education Policy breakout session with discussion of how to prepare young people for 21st century workforce and problem-solving. Panelists included Robert Burch (USAID E3), Bethany Johnson (BEC), and Laura Ripani (IDB). Dan Runde (CSIS) served as moderator. Video available here.

BEC Co-Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Aid to Northern Triangle

Above: Expert panel speaks to a packed room at briefing on aid in Northern Triangle

BEC and Interaction jointly convened a briefing on the afternoon of April 25th, 2019 to inform Congress of the scope and impact of programming Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala and to encourage Congressional Members to reach out to the Administration and express support for aid to the region. Panelists included: Ana Flórez (Director of Global Education, FHI 360), Lanre Williams-Ayedun (Director for Child Protection and Education, World Vision), Anna Sahakyan (Director of Accountability and Transparency, Counterpart International) and Justin Fugle (Senior Advisor for Policy and Program Outreach, Plan International). Marilyn Shapley (Senior Policy Advisor, Mercy Corps) served as moderator. 

BEC believes that the Administration’s decision to suspend funding for foreign assistance programs in the Northern Triangle will jeopardize international efforts to stabilize the region and provide opportunities for families in need. USAID’s education programs provide students with safe and equitable access to quality education so that children develop the necessary skills to build a life for themselves. Suspending U.S. funding for these critical activities will only further exacerbate local tensions and decrease the likelihood that children in these communities will grow up safe, educated, and ready to pursue a vibrant and prosperous future.

The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to the Members of Congress who have already spoken out in support of foreign assistance to this region and vowed to oppose the Administration’s decision to suspend aid funding. Continued U.S. support for Central America is vital to ensure that children and youth have access to safe, quality education and opportunities to participate in the 21st century economy.

Above: Marilyn Shapley (Mercy Corps) and Ana Florez (FHI 360) championing the positive impact of aid in the Northern Triangle