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News in Full Note: Most hyperlinks will open in a new window. Please close the new window in order to be automatically returned to the GCE site. GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION BREAKS WORLD RECORD FOR WORLD’S BIGGEST EVER LESSON! 7.5 million children, adults, teachers joined politicians in over 100 countries to learn about the importance of everyone having the chance for a quality education More than 7.5 million children, adults, teachers and campaigners took part in the Global Campaign for Education’s “World’s Biggest Lesson”. The world record for the largest simultaneous lesson in history has been broken already – and the numbers are still coming in. The World’s Biggest Lesson focused on providing a quality basic education to everyone especially the 72 million children and 774 million adults who are currently missing out. All over the world Politicians and Ministers went back to school, were taught the lesson by children before being asked what they planned to do to make sure everyone gets a quality education. The Global Campaign for Education is still collecting verification forms from around the world, but an early count shows that the World Record has been broken. The total attempting the record is at least seven and a half million people. The country with the highest recorded count is Bangladesh, with 2.5 million people taking part in over 25,000 different locations across the country. Millions also took part in lesson in Vietnam and in an impressive campaigning effort a million took part in the lesson in the Palestinian Territories. Celebrities, Heads of States, and Officials took part in the lesson across the world, with the highest profile being Colombian singer and Grammy award winner, Shakira. She sought international attention as Honourary Chair of Global Action Week, both on a media call with UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and World Bank President Robert Zoellick, and as she lobbied Congress with students in Washington. “I find it so inspiring that there are so many young people who care so deeply about the rights of all children to go to school that they would bring about this global movement,” said Shakira. Amongst the impressive list of others to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson were Papua New Guinea’s Head of Sate Paulias Matane, Afghanistan’s Vice-President Ahmad Zia Masuood, Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, Mozambique’s Vice Minister for Education, the Netherlands Minister of Development Co-operation, Bert Koenders and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Education, Ms Gulshat Mamedova “The most promising reason to believe that the world will achieve its goals of Education for All by 2015 has been the emergence of strong civil society movement and this mobilization of millions of children, women and men during the Global Action Weeks each year,” noted Kailash Satyarthi, GCE President. “We will not fall silent until we have ensured quality education for all.” “One in four women in the world are illiterate. It’s not right, and it’s not just. The Global Campaign for Education has been demanding an end to this injustice since 2000,” noted Muleya Mwananyanda, GCE Action Week Coordinator. “By having legislators and government leaders join in the World’s Biggest Lesson, we are challenging them to share with us what they are doing to ensure others get educated, and have the opportunities to be sitting where they’re sitting now.” The World’s Biggest Lesson was the highlight of the Global Campaign for Education’s (GCE)’s Action Week which is taking place 21st – 27th April. Every year civil society across the world takes part in this week that pressurizes all governments to keep their promises and meet the Education for All goals, which were signed up to by 164 governments in Dakar in April 2000. With the phenomenal success of the World’s Biggest Lesson, 2008 is having the biggest Action Week since the beginning of the Global Campaign for Education in 1999. Highlights of the ‘World’s Biggest Lesson’ from around the world included: Afghanistan - The World's Biggest Lesson was held in the capital city of Kabul and 15 provinces. In Kabul, the lesson was delivered by 8-year-old Tamina Jorat, to high level politicians including Vice President Ahmad Zia Masuood. Argentina - A group of young people between 16 and 19 years from schools in the City of Buenos Aires and the province of Buenos Aires met with national senators at the National Congress of Young Students. They gave the lesson to Senator Inés Osuna of Entre Rios Blanca, and Fernando Daniel Filums of the City of Buenos Aires. Albania - Schools throughout Albania took part in the World's Biggest Lesson. Following the lesson in Tirana, there was a football match between children and Members of Parliament. Armenia – Many important decision makers took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. Austria - More than 2,000 Austrian children took part in the World's Biggest Lesson. Bangladesh - The number of people counted so far is 2.5 million, and reports are still coming in. The lesson was held in more than 25,000 centres around Bangladesh with people from all walks of life taking part alongside leaders, local elites and public functionaries who vowed fresh commitments towards establishing everyone's right to quality basic education and creating an enabling learning environment. Bulgaria - Campaigners were in tears at the sheer magnificence and powerful messages that children gave to the Mayor of Sofia during the World's Biggest Lesson. Burkina Faso – Officials took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson on the 23rd April, whilst similar lessons took place in all regions of the country. Burundi - Despite the unrest in the south of Burundi where the national World’s Biggest Lesson had been prepared, the coalition Bafeshebige went ahead with the lesson in the capital city of Bujumbura. Brazil – Events across the country communicated the results of a recent consultation on quality education in Brazil to teachers, students and pupils. Cambodia – His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni was taught the lesson by children who’ve been excluded from education and adult learners. Cameroon – Officials attended the World’s Biggest Lesson. Throughout the country thousands took part in the officials ‘Back to School’ events and workshops on quality education. Canada – A number of primary and secondary schools in the Toronto area hosted their Members of Parliament as they went back to school for the World’s Biggest Lesson. A huge lesson was also held at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. Chile - {0><}100{>AboutAbout 10,000 students and several politicians took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson across the country. The lesson raised awareness on Quality Education for All and reminded the leaders of the Dakar Education for All promises. In Santiago, MP Carlos Montes and representatives from UNESCO and the National Forum for Quality Education for All attended the lesson held at María Elena School. Colombia - Local celebrities turned up to the lesson across the country. Denmark – Close to 200,000 school students took part in Denmark’s Action Week with a special book called ‘Læseraketten’ that tells stories about education in poor countries. Schools used the book to get ready for the World’s Biggest Lesson, which was attended by the Minister for Education. Dominican Republic – More than 300 schools took part. They compiled reports and wrote letters to political leaders about exclusion in education that will be delivered to the National Congress. Ecuador – A special ‘Dialogues for Education’ took place in schools throughout the country, to raise awareness about quality education for all. Education institutions also gave a present to their neighbourhood, by planting trees, painting a mural or cleaning the parks. Ethiopia - Nine regions and two administrative councils worked together to make demands for the provision of quality education to end exclusion. In Addis Ababa 10 schools took part in the World's Biggest Lesson. France - UNESCO and the French Coalition held the World’s Biggest Lesson at the UNESCO headquarters. Officials from UNESCO, representatives of the education unions, young people from a UNESCO’s associated school and many more were in attendance. Afterwards participants wrote messages on quality education to the UNESCO Director General and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. Gambia - The World’s Biggest Lesson was held at Fatima Senior Secondary School. The lesson was followed with a performance by a local school choir and speeches from civil society and government representatives, including the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. Georgia - 70 politicians returned to their native schools. In the capital city, Tbilisi, there was a press conference after the World's Biggest Lesson. In attendance were the Deputy Minister of Education, different government departmental heads, local NGOS, representatives from UNESCO and UNICEF. They discussed the challenges to be dealt with by the education reforms that are underway. Germany – Officials took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson outside the German Reichstag (Parliament Building) and were presented with their school report card - marking Germany’s performance on providing support to Education for All. Ghana - A national community meeting (Durbar) was attended by officials, stakeholders, traditional leaders and politicians who were presented with a photo exhibition on the differences in infrastructure between rural and urban schools. Guatemala – Officials, students, parents and teachers attended a photograph exhibition that displayed the lack of quality education for everyone and those who’ve been marginalised from school. Honduras – Students marched to the Presidential House at the start of Action Week, after which politicians returned to school to be taught by students, and an ‘Education Changes Life’ forum brought together stakeholders to discuss ‘Quality Education to End Exclusion’. Hungary - The Teachers' Democratic Union organized the World's Biggest Lesson in over 500 institutions schools and hundreds of schools. Following lots of press coverage, thousands of children took part in the lesson. India - Hundreds of former child laborers and school children participated in the World's Biggest Lesson. Children themselves imparted a lesson to the noted Bollywood personalities: actress Mahima Chaudhry, producer Tanuja Chandra, singer Jasbeer Jassi, and Amit Shyal. Members of Parliament and campaigners were given the lesson by President of Global Campaign for Education, Kailash Satyarthi. Indonesia - In North Makulu, a wish list was created by 1,500 children that listed what constitutes a quality education in the minds of children. This was handed over to politicians including the Head of the District of Bacan, during the World’s Biggest Lesson. Ireland – Once again schools and students across Ireland took part in the Action Week activities. A major event on ‘Quality Education to End Exclusion’ was held at the new Irish Aid, Government Communications Centre, and attended by government ministers, who discussed the issue of children who are excluded from school. Japan – The UNESCO Assistant Secretary General for Education Nick Burnett and UNICEF's Chief of Education, Cream Wright shared a school lunch with Japanese school children before being taught the lesson. The attendance of popular celebrity, Agnes Chang from Hong Kong, attracted great national media coverage for the lesson. Jordan – The Ministry of Education, National Commission for UNESCO, Educational Directorates, schools and NGOs took part in the official ceremony of the World’s Biggest Lesson. Kenya – The World’s Biggest Lesson was given to more than 20 formal and 20 informal schools in a open air lesson in Nairobi. In a Mombasa Secondary School Councilor Teddy Mwambire of Ganze Kilifi District sat in class together with Maina Mbugua, a parliamentary aspirant in Kisaunu Constituency for the World’s Biggest Lesson. Lebanon - UNESCO Beirut cooperated with the Ministry of Education, UNESCO Associated Schools Project network and Mabarat Schools Network for the World’s Biggest Lesson. Lesotho – Politicians and community leaders went back to schools in the rural disadvantaged of the country. They witnessed the difficulties such as poor school infrastructure, over-crowded classrooms, and dilapidated learning materials. Liberia – Action Week started with a radio talk show about the World's Biggest Lesson. There was a national parade of the coalition LETCOM, students, parents, politicians and civil society activists to call for quality education. A series of talk shops and working groups were also held on the issue of providing quality education for all in Liberia. Macedonia - More than 100 schools took part in the World's Biggest Lesson. Other activities included children meeting with high ranking politicians from Republic of Macedonia where politicians signed their support to Global Action Week and the Education for All goals. Malawi – A number of exciting activities took place in Malawi, from public debates to designing action plans for providing Education for All in Malawi. Mauritius – Schools met with their Municipal Councillors, MPs, community and religious leaders and rallied through the streets for education for all. Mexico – Hundreds of schools took part in the Worlds Biggest Lesson. Outstanding people from the community, public figures, politicians, and representatives from the local educational sector returned to school to be part of the World Biggest Lesson. Mozambique – ‘Major Aula’ (the World’s Biggest Lesson) took place in schools across the country, and for some involved was the first chance of sitting in class. The Vice-Minister for Education returned to a school with no chairs, desks, or glass in the windows, where children struggle to study, and was taught the lesson. The Netherlands - "Een spreekbeurtenmarathon", a presentation marathon, took place in schools across the country. Politicians at national and local level and entertainers went back to school and were taught by students. Everyone present signed a petition with an emphasis on free and good quality education, which is to be presented to the Minister of Development Co-operation, Bert Koenders. Namibia - Politicians were the taught by learners on the importance of quality education and the promises they have made on Education for All, during the World’s Biggest Lesson. Leaders from the teachers’ union (NANTU) and politicians sat in classrooms and were taught by learners for the World’s Biggest Lesson. Nicaragua – The World's Biggest Lesson took place in Leon, Jinotega, Esteli, Ciudad Sandino, Carazo, Boaco, Chinandega and Managua and was attended by representatives of civil society, teachers, parents, children and adolescents and delegates of the Ministry of Education. Nigeria – Executives and Members of the House of Representatives, lead officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, Senate and top Government officials and representatives of the coalition CSACEFA went to school with journalists to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. Norway – Officials took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson, and discussed their leadership role for the next High Level Group on Education, in Oslo in December. Pakistan – The World's Biggest Lesson took place in 40 districts with politicians joining schools and local community groups. Palestinian Territories – Amazingly a million people took part in World’s Biggest Lesson in 20 directorates across the West Bank and Gaza, including diverse participation by politicians and Ministry of Education officials. Papua New Guinea – Thousands of students and hundreds of adult learners took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson including the Head of State and Governor General of PNG Grand Chief Sir Paulias Matane and his wife Lady Kaludia at a rural school. Peru – Over 300 schools in different parts of the country took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. GCE’s school report card for Peru was presented to Ministers, Congressmen and Members of the National Council for Education in Lima. Philippines – The World’s Biggest Lesson was given to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Congressman Del de Guzman and other officials across the country. At the end of the lesson, an E-Net (the education coalition) kite was flown high in the air in a call for quality Education for All. Portugal – Over 100 schools took part in the lesson, organized by a new education coalition in Portugal. In Lisbon, one school hosted politicians, opinion makers and the Vice-President for the Portuguese Institute for Development Assistance for the World’s Biggest Lesson. Rwanda - The World's Biggest Lesson was a resounding success with lessons happening at different primary schools in Nyarugenge district as well as Shingiro Sector. Senegal - Politicians went back to school in four regions. During the World’s Biggest Lesson events, children delivered their messages and testimonies for education to MPs, leaders and celebrities. Sierra Leone – Officials went back to school and took part in a ‘Quality Education to End Exclusion’ symposium. Solomon Islands - Thousands of children and adults took part in the World’s Biggest Lesson alongside politicians, educationists, teachers, family members and supporters. Somalia - The World's Biggest Lesson took place in the Old Football Stadium in Abdal Aziz, Mogadishu. The lesson focused on how to address the education needs of internally displaced children who have been excluded from school following the recent Mogadishu violence. Somaliland - Activities took place in five education institutions, where political, religious, academic leaders, PTA’s and renowned business people went back to school. In each lesson drama, poems and songs that advocated for quality education were presented by children. South Africa – In Cape Town, learners and teachers from 10 disadvantaged schools took the lesson. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 teachers took the same lesson in Durban at the South African Democratic Teacher’ Union (SADTU)’s cultural festival. This lesson’s attendees included the President of Education International Thulas Nxesi and Blade Nzimande, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party. Spain – The World’s Biggest Lesson took place in at least 16 city councils and authority buildings on the 24th April as the 23rd was a public holiday. Specially designed puzzles were played as part of the lesson. Sri Lanka – School students compiled dossiers on ‘Quality Education for All’ and delivered these to the Head of State, Minister of Education and Cabinet Ministers during the World’s Biggest Lesson. Sudan – Activities took place in Khartoum, White Nile, South and North Darfur, and El Gadarif. A big exhibition was held in the UNESCO building and seminars given on quality education. Sweden – The World’s Biggest Lesson took place at Naturvetargymnasiet at which students wrote messages in support of quality education to the local and national government. Taiwan - Global Action Week kicked off with the introduction of a life curriculum created to address issues of quality and exclusion in schools. On Wednesday officials went back to school to attend the World's Biggest Lesson. Turkmenistan - The World's Biggest Lesson was given and attended by the first Deputy Minister of Education Ms. Gulshat Mamedova and UNICEF representative Dr. Waheed Hassan. Uganda – A march for education took place on Monday. The parliament has since been petitioned to discuss and pass the Education Bill that has been stalled for some time now. This bill is a repeal of the 1971 Education Act and will introduce clauses on providing free, compulsory schooling to every child in Uganda. UK – Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, was taught the lesson by 100 school children outside the Houses of Parliament in London. USA - Shakira appeared beside leading young advocates for education from all across the USA on Capitol Hill on the eve of the World’s Biggest Lesson to advocate for education and raise awareness for the Bipartisan Education for All Act 2007. Kenyan peace activist Karambu Ringera also led a lesson in Colorado. Uruguay – Schools and politicians shared the lesson on Quality Education for All. Venezuela – Students taught adults, teachers and politicians in Caracas. After discussing quality education they sent messages to their politicians asking for more and better schools. A huge lesson took place at the Central University of Venezuela Vietnam – Millions took part in the World's Biggest Lesson in all 64 provinces and cities nationwide with the support of the Ministry of Education and Training and UNESCO. Zambia – Children marched to the World’s Biggest Lesson where they met the Vice President, and Minister of Education and Community Development, for the lesson by Lusaka’s Freedom Statue. 25 April 2008 LATEST NEWS: What’s happening during the World’s Biggest Lesson around the globe! Afghanistan – A new coalition means that Afghanistan is taking part in Action Week for the very first time. Posters were distributed around Kabul and in schools in 13 provinces. The national lesson is taking place in Isteqlal High School in Kabul, with the President Hamid Karzai and Minister of Education expected to attend and give speeches. The lesson will end with a concert of famous Afghan singers. Argentina - About 200 schools and several community centres are taking part in the World's Biggest Lesson in Argentina. National newspapers and the national radio have already started publishing news on Action week. On 23rd April, students will deliver messages they have prepared on improving deficiencies in the education system to the Legislature Judiciary and Ministry of Education. Albania - On 23rd April, schools throughout Albania will take part in the World's Biggest Lesson. Following the Lesson, in Tirana, there will be a football match between children and Members of Parliament as an opportunity for politicians to show their support for the campaign for education in Albania. Armenia – Many important decision makers including the Ministry of Education are taking part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. Austria- More than 2,000 children in Austria will be taking part in the World's Biggest Lesson. Bangladesh – Millions of people are expected to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson – to the extent that a Central Control Office has opened to facilitate the information flow and validation to every part of the country. A host of activities are taking place including children’s rallies, art competitions, street plays and discussions on the theme of exclusion in education. Brazil – Events across the country will communicate the results of a recent consultation on quality education in Brazil to teachers, students and pupils. Bulgaria – Over 2,000 students from 20 schools in the regions of Bulgaria are taking action to be part of the World’s Biggest Lesson. Pupils in Sapareva Bania are so eager for the lesson that they have launched a countdown process dubbed “X Days to the World’s Biggest Lesson”. The Mayor of the largest municipality in Bulgaria, Kiril Yordanov will be interviewed on quality education by students on a radio show. Burkina Faso – Both the Prime Minister M Zongo Tertus, and the Minister of Education look set to attend the World’s Biggest Lesson on the 23rd April, whilst similar lessons will be taking place in all regions of the country. Cambodia – His Majesty the King will take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson and be taught by children who’ve been excluded from education and adult learners. Cameroon –The Minister for Basic Education will attend the World’s Biggest Lesson alongside other education officials. Throughout the country more than 8000 people will take part in the officials ‘Back to School’ events. There will also be workshops with school children and a televised roundtable event on Quality Education. Canada –A number of primary and secondary schools in the Toronto area have also invited their Members of Parliament “back to school” as they host a highlight event for the World’s Biggest Lesson at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education on April 23rd from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Other students and campaigners from across Canada will also simultaneously participate in the World’s Biggest Lesson with a specially designed curriculum pack that informs students about the issues of excluded people in education. Chile- Across Chile, approximately 10, 000 students will take part in the Global Action Week demanding Education for All. Several activities will take place in this international week, with simultaneous lessons being held on 23rd April, at 11am, around the country, with the expected participation of several authorities who will listen to young people's concerns and proposals. The lessons will aim to raise awareness on Quality Education for All and remind the leaders the compromises acquired in Dakar World Forum 2000. Colombia – Local celebrities are turning up to the World’s Biggest Lesson in each of the four regions: Quindio, Costa Atlantica, Antioquia and Cundiboyacense. Denmark – Close to 200,000 school students now have a special Danish ‘Action Week’ book called ‘Læseraketten’ that tells stories about education in poor countries. Schools use the book to get ready for the World’s Biggest Lesson – in which the Minister for Education is taking part. Dominican Republic – More than 300 schools are taking part, compiling reports and writing letters to political leaders about exclusion in education that will be delivered to the National Congress. Ecuador – ‘Dialogues for Education’ will take place in schools throughout the country, to raise awareness about quality education for all. Education institutions will also give a present to their neighbourhood, by planting trees, painting a mural or cleaning the parks. Ethiopia- Nine regions and 2 administrative councils in which international organizations and agencies, local NGOs and others working on or supporting education will work together to make demands for the provision of quality education to end exclusion. In Addis Ababa, 10 schools will take part in the World's Biggest Lesson. A number of activities have also been lined up for the entire week including, a photographic exhibition, workshops, panel discussions and a circus to make make calls for Education for all. France – Local politicians throughout France will be taking part in the World’s Biggest Lesson as they’ve been invited back to school or to the town hall by their constituents. Nationally it’s hoped that children will teach the French legislators in the French Assembly as part of the World’s Biggest Lesson. The National President will also be petitioned to give financial support to achieve Education for All. Gambia – The popular Gambian musician Jaliba Kuyateh will lead the World’s Biggest Lesson which will unite thousands of people, in western Gambia, as they are given the country’s highlight lesson in both English and Arabic. Georgia – The President, Head of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and MPs and more than 3,000 schools, have been invited to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel has been invited to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson outside the German Reichstag (Parliament Building) at the end of which she will be handed her school report card marking her grades on providing Education for All. Ghana - A national community meeting (Durbar) slated for the 24th of April will be the crescendo of action week in Ghana. The Durbar which will be attended by the Vice President of Ghana Mr Alhji Aliu Mahama, stakeholders, traditional leaders and politicians who will be taken through an elaborate photo exhibition of the differences in infrastructure between rural and urban schools Guatemala – Officials, students, parents and teachers are attending a photograph exhibition, that will display the situation of lack of quality education for everyone and those who’ve been marginalised from school. Honduras – Students will march to the Presidential House at the start of Action Week, after which politicians will return ‘Back to School’ to be taught by students, and an ‘Education Changes Life’ forum will bring together stakeholders to discuss ‘Quality Education to End Exclusion’. Hungry- In Hungary, the Teachers' Democratic Union has organized the World's Biggest Lesson in over 500 institutions schools and hundreds of schools. It is expected that thousands of children will participate in the Lesson. The Union has already issues a press release to drum up support for action week. India - Children in India will give a wake up call to Parliamentarians in 10 states by knocking on the doors of Parliament to signal the start of action week. Parliamentarians have also been called to be part of the World’s Biggest Lesson which will also be attended by teachers groups, NGOs, parents, children and other concerned people. Campaigners will hand over a charter of education demands to the President as well as to state governors. Indonesia - In North Makulu, a wish list has been created by 1,500 children , stating what constitutes a quality education in their minds. The list will be handed over to politicians including the Head of the District of Bacan, during the World’s Biggest Lesson on the 23rd of April. Ireland – Once again schools and students across Ireland will take part in the Action Week activities. A major event, to be held at the new Irish Aid, Government Communications Centre, will communicate to Government Ministers the issue of children who are excluded from school. Japan – 28, 000 children from 150 schools will join the world biggest lesson. Some Japanese high level politicians and 20 representative of the Fast Track Initiative technical meeting in Tokyo will be taught the lesson by students at one of the lower secondary schools in Tokyo. The students will also share lunch with the officials and impress upon them the need to give more funding towards education. Jordan – The Ministry of Education, National Commission for UNESCO, Educational Directorates, Schools and NGOs will all take part in the official ceremony of the World’s Biggest Lesson on the 23rd April. Kenya – The World’s Biggest Lesson is taking place in a Nairobi slum, the lesson will focus on how to address the needs of those who’ve faced violence, and been excluded from school following the recent elections. Lebanon – Students and adult learners across the country will take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson – culminating in a Grand Ceremony at 1pm on the 24th April. Lesotho – Politicians and community leaders will go back to schools in the rural disadvantaged of the country. Here they will witness difficulties such as poor school infrastructure, over crowded classrooms, and dilapidated learning materials. Liberia-In Liberia, action week kicks off with a radio talk show to create awareness for the World's Biggest Lesson as well as drum up more support for people to attend the Lesson to be held on Wednesday 23rd April. There will be a national parade of the coalition LETCOM, students, parents, politicians and civil society activists to call for quality education. A series of radio talk shows have also been lined up and a number of issues including quality, exclusion and the status of EFA in Liberia will be discussed. Macedonia- More than 100 schools will take part in the World's Biggest Lesson. Other activities include children having a meeting with high ranking politicians from Republic of Macedonia where politicians will sign and give written support of global action week . Malawi –A number of exciting activities have been lined up for Malawi. A national launch to be graced by the Deputy Minister of Education Ms Olive Masanza. Public debates will happen in at least 6 districts to create awareness on why people are being excluded from education and to create action plans on what can be done to address the situation Mauritius – Preparation is underway for the “World’s Biggest Lesson” with schools being sensitized for meeting their municipal councilors. There will also be a rally of children who’ve been marginalized from education; they’ll then meet MPs, community leaders and religious leaders. Mexico- About 450 schools will be participating in the Worlds Biggest Lesson. The Coalition has invited outstanding people from the community, public figures, politicians, aldermen and representatives from the local educational sector to return to school to be part of the World Biggest Lesson. Fifty one Community Organizations, academic entities and civil society associations in 9 states of Mexico will participate in Global Action Week. Mozambique – ‘Major Aula’ (the World’s Biggest Lesson) is taking place in schools across the country, and for some involved it will be their first chance at sitting in class – including children who’ve been excluded from education because of poverty, being orphaned or disabled and adult learners. The Minister of Education will be taught the lesson by children at a big event in Maputo. The Netherlands - "Een spreekbeurtenmarathon", a presentation marathon, is taking place in schools across the country. Politicians at national and local level and entertainers will go back to school. They will be taught by five students, before being given a test and if they pass a diploma. Everyone present will sign a petition with an emphasis on free and good quality education, which will later be presented to the Minister of Development Co-operation, Bert Koenders. Nepal - Politicians will go back to school to attend the World’s Biggest Lesson and will be treated to an exhibition on innovation and best practices in education. Global Action Week coincides with the Government’s Welcome School Programme that aims at increasing the enrolment children into schools. Community leaders, teachers, students, and district government officials will be presented with a documentary on quality education and given lessons on how to present this documentary to other people in their communities. Namibia - Politicians will be taught by learners on the importance of quality education and the promises they have made on education for all, during the World’s Biggest Lesson. This will be an opportunity for both the teachers union (NANTU) leaders and politicians to sit in classrooms and be taught by learners. The events will be concluded by a fun walk to raise awareness on the need for quality education. Nicaragua- The world's Biggest Lesson will take place in Leon, Jinotega, Esteli, Ciudad Sandino, Carazo, Boaco, Chinandega and Managua. This will be the main event for Global Action Week. The activities will be attended by representatives of civil society, teachers, parents, children and adolescents who require that all people have access to quality education and an end to exclusion. The Lesson will be attended by Delegates of the Ministry of Education, Mayoral candidates, officials of the municipal commissions on children, teachers, teachers, principals and directors of public schools. Nigeria – Executives and Members of the House of Representatives, Senate and Top Government officials will return to school with journalists to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. Norway – The Prime Minister has been invited to attend the World’s Biggest Lesson. The lesson will discuss not only how to influence the Norwegian government, but global leaders at the next High Level Group on Education taking place in Oslo in December. Pakistan – The World's Biggest Lesson in Pakistan will take place in 40 districts with politicians joining schools and local community groups to be part of the lesson. The coalition has produced education materials with education for all messages to be handed out to politicians and parents and media organisations. Palestinian Territories – Thousands of people are expected to take part in the West Bank and Gaza. The Minister of Education and Minister of Finance are expected to attend the highlight event where they’ll meet with children who’ve been marginalised from school. One school is making an international link via video with a school in USA for the lesson. Papua New Guinea – Thousands of students and hundreds of adult learners are taking part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. A radio show will air discussions about ‘Education to End Exclusion’, with the Prime Minster and Secretary for Education on the panel. Peru – Over 300 schools in different parts of the country will take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson. As part of the World’s Biggest Lesson GCE’s school report card for Peru will be presented to Ministers, Congressmen and Members of the National Council for Education in Lima, at which children and parents will give their testimonies on the difficulties in accessing quality education in Peru. Philippines – A series of discussions and events advocating for Education for All children, youth and adults will take place in the Philippines. The World’s Biggest Lesson will be a major activity in Quezon City and the coalition will launch its “Learn without Fear” campaign to call attention to eradication of violence in schools and sharing the strategies that aim to eliminate child labor through education. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Congressman Del de Guzman and LGU officials have been invited to respond to an education reform agenda that will be presented by the children and community. In Cotabato City, politicians, including school administrators, parents, youth groups will be part of the Lesson and to be taught by a Valedictorian High School graduate. At the same time Women’s rights activists led by Ms Noriada of Unyphil will be promoting the week on a local radio programme by discussing the obstacles faced by girls in education. Portugal- Overr 100 schools around the country will participate in the world's biggest lesson, with over 9000 people involved. In Lisbon, one school will be the focal point where politicians, opinion makers and the Vice-President for the Portuguese Institute for Development Assistance will be taught alongside students and questioned about education and Portugal's commitments in this area. Rwanda – Nationwide World’s Biggest Lesson events and a press conference will bring the issue of huge class sizes, and exclusion in education, to the special attention of the government and public. Senegal- Politicians will go back to school in four regions. The regions are Dakar, Kaolack, Diourbel and Louga. The World's Biggest Lesson will take place in four schools and messages and testimonies will be collected with the help of teachers, MPs, leaders and celebrities will attend the events. Two testimonies will be given by a child and an adult of 60. There will be a specially televised documentary on quality education. Sierra Leone – Officials are going ‘Back to School’ and will take part in a ‘Quality Education to End Exclusion’ symposium. There will be a World’s Biggest Lesson and the Minister of Education will take part in a breakfast meeting on education and children will take part in a float parade that will ask for re-commitment to Education for All. Solomon Islands - Thousands of children and adults will participate in exciting activities planned for Global Action Week, in 20 literacy schools in the capital, Honiara. These are the most neglected and excluded schools in the country. Politicians, educationists, teachers, family members and supporters will be part of the World’s Biggest Lesson on 23rd April. Somalia- The World's Biggest Lesson is taking place in the Old Football Stadium in the district of Abdal Aziz, southeast the capital city of Mogadishu on 23rd April 2008 tomorrow. The lesson will focus on how to address the education needs of internally displaced children been excluded from school following the recent Mogadishu violence. Government officials will attend the lesson. Somaliland- Activities are taking place in five education institutions, where each institution will invite political, religious, academic leaders, PTA’s and renowned business people to school activities. Each of the schools will participate in various activities like drama, poems, songs, and children/adult testimonies on accessing education have been composed, and will be shared to enlighten and advocate for inclusive and quality education for all. South Africa- On Wednesday 23rd April, the Forum in partnership with help2help will take part in Global Campaign for Education's record-breaking attempt at The World's Biggest Lesson. Learners and teachers from ten schools in disadvantaged areas of Cape Town will join millions of children, royalty, presidents and musicians in over 100 countries doing the same lesson in the importance of education. The lesson will be delivered in ten schools in the Mitchell's Plain, Athlone and Retreat areas of Cape Town. Spain – The World’s Biggest Lesson is taking place in at least 16 city councils and authority buildings on the 24th April (as the 23rd is a holiday). Specially designed puzzles will be played as part of the lesson – to play students will compile the special ingredients needed to for ‘Education to End Exclusion’. Sri Lanka – School students are compiling dossiers on ‘Quality Education for All’ to deliver to the Head of State, Minister of Education and Cabinet Ministers during the World’s Biggest Lesson. Sudan –There will be activities in Khartoum, and there other states including white Nile, South and North Darfur, El Gadarif. There will be a big exhibition taking place at UNESCO as well as seminars and media conferences. The seminars will centre on children who have been excluded from school as well as the quality of education. Sweden- Over 40 students will take part in the World's Biggest Lesson at 8 GMT at Naturvetargymnasiet. Students will write messages in support of quality education to the local and national government at the end of the lesson. Currently students are exploring the subject of how their education contributes to their lives and shapes their future. Taiwan- Global Action Week kicked off with the introduction of a life curriculum created to address issues of quality and exclusion in schools. This curriculum is now being taught to elementary and junior high schools in 25 regions and it stresses on poor education conditions of foreign children. On Wednesday officials will go back to School to attend the World's Biggest Lesson. Uganda – On Monday, 21st April FENU partnered with CCF and conducted a march for education as well as a press conference to officially start the Global Action Week.The parliament will be petitioned to discuss and legislate the Education Bill that has been stalled for some time. This bill is a repeal of the 1971 Education Act and will introduce clauses on providing free, compulsory schooling to every child in Uganda. UK – As part of the World’s Biggest Lesson, Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development will be taught by school children outside the parliamentary buildings in Westminster. Uruguay – Schools have been sending politicians postcards inviting them to take part in the World’s Biggest Lesson to end exclusion and provide quality education to all students. USA – Grammy award winning artist, Shakira will appear beside school students on Capitol Hill on the 22nd April to raise awareness for the bipartisan Education for All Act 2007. There is also a special USA – Palestine ‘World’s Biggest Lesson’ as two schools take the lesson by video link-up. In Boulder, the lesson was led by Kenyan Peace Activist, Karambu Ringera – and after class the participants sent a letter to the current G8 chair, the President of Japan to take a lead in providing Education for All. Venezuela – Several schools are holding the World’s Biggest Lesson and inviting leaders back to school to discuss the issue of providing Quality Education to All. Vietnam – The World's Biggest Lesson will take place simultaneously in all 64 provinces and cities nationwide with the Ministry of Education and Training and UNESCO in attendance. Zambia – Children will march up to the World’s Biggest Lesson in which the Zambia’s Vice President, and Minister of Education and Community Development will be taught by the Lusaka Freedom Statue. Zimbabwe – The World’s Biggest Lesson events will include the launch of 1,000 copies of the Mid-Term Review on Education For All goals at which politicians have been invited to attend. There will be discussions on teachers who have left Zimbabwe and what can be done to attract them to come back as well as the impact of school fees on the dropout rate. 23 April 2008 TEACHERS TV PROGRAMME: School Matters: Education for All - Halfway There? At the start of the new millennium, the international community agreed there must be Education for All by 2015 - this programme looks at the impact this drive has already had as we pass the halfway point to the target. We see how physical and cultural barriers are being overcome to deliver education even in the remotest and poorest communities in the world including the children of nomads in the Himalayas and young cattle raiders in Uganda. The programme also visits Senegal to witness efforts to help girls who are forced to work rather than learn. Despite this progress, there are still estimated to be over 70 million children out of school and 744 million adults who cannot read and write. At the end of 2007, nations from around the globe gathered again to assess what needs to be done next. We follow the conference and discover whether there is enough political will and sufficient development funds to ensure that Education for All does eventually becomes a reality, not just a slogan. Watch the Porgramme here: http://www.teachers.tv/video/24840 21 April 2008 GCE PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE STEVE SINNOTT The Global Campaign for Education pays tribute to Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union for Teachers in the UK, who died suddenly on Saturday 5th April. "The world and the UK have lost a committed campaigner for universal education rights and a great person. Steve Sinnott's personality and passion inspired whoever he met and he will be sorely missed. The impact of his work in improving the education and the lives of both teachers and children in the UK and all over the world will be felt for a long time to come. The GCE and all our education campaigners will miss him and our thoughts are with Mary and the rest of his family." Owain James, GCE Global Co-ordinator: "Steve Sinnott was inspirational in his devotion to teaching, not just for children in Britain, but around the world." Gordon Brown "Steve was a very passionate union leader and a great friend of Education International. He strongly believed that international solidarity is crucial to the success of our movement, and always acted in the spirit of that solidarity." Fred van Leeuwen, EI General Secretary A book of condolences is available online: http://www.teachers.org.uk/ 8 April 2008 UNESCO's ONLINE DISCUSSION ON QUALITY EDUCATION AND INCLUSION In support of this year's Global Action Week UNESCO is organising an online discussion forum on the theme: Quality Education and Inclusion. This discussion will take place from the 1st to the 30th April. The online discussion forums will provide a platform for sharing information, views and good practices. The main themes and key questions that the discussions will address are:
Find out what else UNESCO is doing to support Global Action Week and the World's Biggest Lesson here: www.unesco.org/education/en/efa/global-action-week 31 March 2008 11th MARCH: GCE SENT A MESSAGE TO THE E9 EDUCATION MINISTERS The world's Nine High Population Countries - Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan recently met in Bali, Indonesia to discuss ways of accelerating progress towards the provision of Education For All (EFA). Combined these countries contain more than half of the world's population, where illiteracy, gender disparity and teacher training remain major concerns. The E-9 Initiative was launched in 1993, in attempt to address these challenges, yet only two of the nine countries are likely to reach adult literacy goals and only three are likely to achieve gender parity by the target date of 2015. Attached is the letter GCE sent to the meeting that noted the progress made to date but urged for the fair share of national and donor budgets to be allocated to education, fees & charges to be abolished, plans and polices to be put in place that address adult illiteracy, and the provision of education to marginalised children. Letter to the E9 attached 25 March 2008 CLADE HOLDS WORKSHOP AND CONTINUES TO PROMOTE INITIATIVES ON THE DEMANDABILITY OF THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION The Latin-American Campaign for the Right to Education continues to promote initiatives related to the demandability of the right to education. After publishing and launching the book entitled Las Nuevas Leyes de Educación en América Latina (New Education Laws in Latin America), CLADE held a workshop, to discuss the subject matter, at the end of January in São Paulo, Brazil. The workshop was attended by approximately 50 activists affiliated to the Campaign in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Mexico. According to Camilla Croso, Campaign Coordinator, "the goal was to leverage local entities' ability (national forums and campaigns) to press charge and litigate States that violate the human right to education within their territories." The workshop was also attended by: the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Vernor Muñoz; Carmen Espinoza, representing Plataforma Interamericana de Direitos Humanos, Democracia e Desenvolvimento (Inter-American Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development - PIDHDD / Chile) and Liliana Tojo, director of Center for Justice and International Law - CEJIL Argentina. During her presentation, Ms. Espinoza highlighted that States must respect all human rights (they cannot enforce any measure that hinders citizens' full fruition of their rights), protect them (intervene in cases where people obstruct fruition thereof) and implement them (implement measures to ensure that every citizen fully benefits from their rights). Ms. Espinoza further noted that demandability is a social, political and legal process. Stating that, "these three perspectives cannot move separately," she pointed out that there are two strategies of action: political (involvement, enforcement of laws and mobilization) and judicial (justiciability, formalizing lawsuits, relating to the public prosecutor's office, citizen's protection bureaus and other mechanisms that uphold the effective enforcement of said right). "On the political front, one must seek to transform power structures which requires an alternative project of society . We have much to develop in this regard. That is to say, this is not only a technical project, but a political one. Our progress in this regard, that is, social transformation, may be deemed timid, but that is precisely how the justiciability of human rights consolidates itself, one step at a time," states Ms. Espinoza. Ms. Liliana Tojo, representing CEJIL, detailed how the international, and regional, human rights protection system works. "The right to education continues to be a subject matter that is superficially covered by international law. One of the reasons is because few denunciations are made. Then again, one only needs one sufficiently well-grounded international case for others to be brought". She highlighted the strategic importance of suits that bring the issue into international debate. "Let me point out three strategically positive results that an international suit may bring: firstly, include a new issue in the agenda, something which had not been achieved in the past; secondly, establish a mechanism to dialog with local authorities; and thirdly it may lead to a Court decision that demands enforcement of something important". According to Vernor Muñoz, even if the right to education is established in a number of statements, pacts, covenants, the reality is that the right to education continues to be questioned, even from a legal standpoint. "For example, many constitutions do not uphold education as a right," affirms Mr. Muñoz. He believes that civil society must demand specific obligations from the State in regard to the right to education:
CLADE has a number of planned initiatives for the following months, in regard to political and legal demandability of the right to education, to be carried out in partnership with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, the Inter-American Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development and the Center for Justice and International Law. Initiatives include technical visits to some countries, initiatives targeting national legal systems in Latin America, as well as denunciation of more serious violations to the Inter-American Human Rights Commission. French version | Spanish version 20 March 2008 GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION'S 3RD WORLD ASSEMBLY COMES TO A CLOSE Sao Paulo (22nd - 24th January) The Global Campaign for Education's (GCE) Third World Assembly united civil society and campaigners from 85 countries, and 31 international organisations, to reflect on the progress made by the campaign and to determine the campaigns future direction. GCE was set up in 1999 ahead of the Dakar World Education Forum, to ensure civil society input and pressure on all government commitments and progress towards Education for All. Mandated to campaign until the Education for All deadline in 2015, this World Assembly take place at the campaigns mid-way point. The meeting took place at Novotel Jaragua, in Central Sao Paulo from the 22 nd- 24th January, and was attended by 180 campaigners, with close to 300 attending the opening ceremony that was addressed by Luiz Dulci, Brazil's Minister for General Secretary of the Presidency. The busy three days included workshops on the progress on each of the individual EFA goals, side-meetings on the work of regions, FTI, and a new initiative to work in the Arab states, and workshops on campaigning such as pressuring governments, growing coalitions and media strategies. Key sessions of the World Assembly noted the work of GCE since the last World Assembly in Johannesburg in 2004, especially in the strengthening of the institutional capacity of the GCE, enabling more and better mobilisations on the demand for the right to Education for All. Since 2004 GCE's membership has more than doubled, with a growing number of campaigners taking part as with publications, working groups and communications. There is no doubt that the growth and strengthening of a civil society movement - has contributed to progress in some aspects of the EFA goals, although much more progress is still needed as demonstrated by the Global School Report, published by GCE in December 2007. The number of out of school children fell from 100 million in 2000 to 72 million in 2007. Yet progress on the remaining goals has been drastically slow, and at a rate in which EFA will not be achieved within a generation's lifetime. A dozen new motions on education issues were submitted, debated, amended and finally agreed upon by the members as priority areas of GCE's work until the next World Assembly in 2011. The member organisations also voted in GCE's new board that would lead activities to achieve the mandate as decided by the World Assembly. The UN Special Rapporteur on Education Rights, Vernor Munez attended on the final day, and inspired campaigners with the need to fight more for the most marginalised from education, before launching GCE's Global School Report to the Latin American press. The three days finished with a closing ceremony, a thanks and farewell to the leaving board members, including Rasheda Choudhury, of CAMPE, who has become the Minister of Education, and Women and Children's Affairs in Bangladesh, as well as Solly Mabusela from SADTU, Cleophas Mally from Global March against Child Labour, Nelida Cespedes from CEAAL. The new GCE Board was elected: Kailash Satyarthi (GCE President & Global March Against Chlid Labour), Assibi Napoe (GCE Chair & Education International), Camilla Crosso (GCE Vice President & CLADE), Maria Kahn (GCE Vice Chair & ASPBAE), Matar Baldeh (Gambia EFA Net), Edicio dela Torre (Philippines ENET), Elie Jouen (Global March Against Child Labour), Daniel Cara (Brazilian CDE), Gaston De La Haye (Education International), David Archer (Action Aid International), Imad Sabi (Oxfam International), Gorgui Sow (ANCEFA), Helga Hjetland (Norway's Union of Education). The meeting concluded with a renewed call to action by all members in the struggle to achieve Education for All. French version | Spanish version 24 January 2008 GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION ISSUES VERDICT STATEMENT ON THE EDUCATION FOR ALL HIGH LEVEL GROUP COMMUNIQUE: "Seven years into the 21 st century it is a disgrace that 1 in 4 women can't read, that in 50 countries over half of children do not finish school. Only a handful of countries achieved gender parity in secondary education in the last five years- it was meant to be met by all countries in the world by 2005. Leaders from donor countries made a commitment in 2000 to ensure that countries have the money they need to deliver good plans. Yes, more money has been mobilised, but it is tiny fraction of what everyone agrees is needed for EFA. Make no mistake - we are off-track on the goals. In some countries EFA will not be realised in our lifetime, let alone in the next 8 years. We recognise that this year progress has been made, and we have a much better communiqué as a result. But, once again the High Level Group meeting has missed the opportunity to mobilise the much-needed political will behind these warm words. The absence of so many invitees – particularly donor ministers and Heads of Agencies - is both shameful and damaging. There is a lack of confidence in this process by many governments and it needs to be changed. This is meant to be a High Level Group meeting to achieve the big changes, not education enthusiasts agreeing amongst ourselves. If a great agreement is reached today but no world leaders are here to sign it – does it really matter? " Kailash Satyarthi, GCE President French version 18 December 2007 KEEP YOUR PROMISES TO THE WORLD'S CHILDREN Global March Against Child Labour has set up a petition to remind government leaders around the world of their commitment to the Millennium Development Goals - to ensure universal primary education and eliminating gender disparity in education. Child labor is one of the main obstacles to achieving education for all children. Add your name to the petition by visiting their website: www.globalmarch.org/campaigns/keepyourpromises 31 Octobe r 2007 A CARAVAN FOR LITERACY ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE AT THE OPENING OF THE UNESCO REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON LITERACY: An enthusiastic march with 200 campaigners organised by Jeunesse & Développement Mali, ( supported by Action Aid, the African Network of Campaigns for Education For All (ANCEFA) and the Global Campaign for Education ) converged on the Bamako International Conference Centre for the Opening of the UNESCO Regional Conference on Literacy in Mali. This meeting is being attended by the First Ladies of Africa as well as many ministers of education and literacy. This march was preceded by a Caravan organised by PAMOJA network and Action Aid which crossed West Africa. She is mother of 3 and a literacy facilitator in Guinea Conakry. Mariam learned to read and write at the age of 24 years. Ten years later she has participated in the caravan with other committed campaigners to raise awareness about the lack of resources for literacy and its importance for the prevention of HIV /AIDS. They traversed thousands of kilometres over Guinea, Senegal and Mali in order to be able to participate in the March today.The youngest campaigner among them was Mariam's 12 month old baby. Mariam handed-in a Declaration on behalf of the march. to dignatories who came outside to hear the camapigners including the Director of BREDA, Dr Lalla Aïcha Ben Bark, the Mayor of Bamako and the Head of Higher Education for the African Development Bank. Campaigners demanded that African governments prioritise literacy in their national plans and in their budgets by allocating at least 3% of the education budget to literacy. They also called on rich country governments to adequately fund all six EFA goals including the neglected goal of reducing adult illiteracy by 50%. " African governments must also reach the 3% benchmark for literacy in their education budgets . We also hope that the First Ladies commit to making sure the literacy goal is achieved by 2015 for the women of Africa" said Mahamadou Cheick Diarra of Jeunesse et Developpement.
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY: ONE IN FIVE PEOPLE CAN'T READ THIS! Global Campaign for Education advocates for literacy to be prioritised. Today more than 800 million adults are ill equipped to work their way out of poverty and ill health. Missing out on education, has meant more than missing out on the ability to read this article. Without an education 1 in 5 people, are without the knowledge, empowerment and skills to better their lives, to escape poverty, to protect their children from illness and participate fully in shaping the society in which they live. Women are less likely to be educated than men. Yet educating women and girls is crucial for saving lives. Educated women are better able to negotiate safer sex and protect themselves from HIV. The amount they earn correlates directly with the numbers of years of education, and if they can read and write their children are 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5. Seven years ago world leaders from 185 countries met in Dakar at the World Education Forum and agreed the Education for All goals. One of these six goals was to achieve a 50% reduction in adult literacy by 2015. The world is half way to the deadline, but far from half way to the target. "We are supposed to be in the middle of the United Nations Literacy Decade but is anyone remotely aware of this? Today global experts are meeting in Paris to review the decade so far – but sadly there is almost nothing to review. There is almost no investment going into adult literacy around the world. This is a broken promise and a violation of human rights on a massive scale" comments David Archer, GCE Board Member and Head of Education at ActionAid The Global Campaign for Education has conducted a survey of adult literacy programmes across 35 countries, which shows that there is consensus about what works. It has identified 12 simple "benchmarks" which governments can follow to develop good quality programmes. But the first challenge is money. "Most governments across Africa spend less than 1% of their education budgets on adult literacy … but our research shows that they need to be spending at least 3%" adds Gorgui Sow, GCE Board Member and Coordinator of the African Network Campaign on Education for All. There are some signs of hope for the future.
06 September 2007 GLOBAL INITIATIVES NEED GLOBAL FINANCING Praise should be given to the new Global Health Partnership, that was launched on the 5th September . This new plan has the potential to make huge progress towards ending the global health crisis. But only if it's backed by international political will and financing from the richest countries. The new partnership is modeled on the education equivalent – the Education for All – Fast Track Initiative (EFA-FTI), set up in 2002. The FTI promised the hope of money and a process to 'fast-track' it to the poorest countries' education plans. But five years on FTI is neither Fast nor on-Track - because it has always been starved of funds by donors who appear to put little value on the promises they make in international fora such as the G8. Of the seven countries the new health partnership promises to help, four ( Mozambique, Kenya, Cambodia and Ethiopia) are also endorsed by FTI. They are still waiting for FTI money to fill huge gaps in their education plans – their combined financing gap is US$1.5 billion from now until 2010. For global partnerships to work all rich countries must put their hands in their pockets. Three months after the G8 in Germany, it is Chancellor Merkel's responsibility to carry out the promises contained in the G8 communiqué – on making progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, which include financing health and education. Yet Germany funds just 39% of what it should be giving to basic education (Class of 2007 School Report: Not up to Scratch – Global Campaign for Education). Other G8 nations similarly fall short of their lofty pledges. Without rich countries putting real money into their partnerships – the reality is that families in poor countries are now being dangled promises of quality health and education provision – but in reality are no better off. Kailash Satyarthi President, Global Campaign for Education 6 September 2007 GCE's MID-TERM REVIEW - PLEASE GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS! The Global Campaign for Education was created in 1999 to campaign for Education for All. At it's conception it was agreed to run until at least 2015, and that a review would take place half way through it's mandate - ie in 2007. A questionnaire has been designed for coalitions, organizations and individuals to input directly into this review. GCE has employed to two independent consultants to lead this process and analyse the questionnaire responses. Please download the questionnaire and return it by the 15 th September. You can either email it to review@firetail.co.uk or fax it back to +27 11 447 4138. Download Questionnaire: English | Spanish | French 15th August 2007 You are welcome to reproduce items from the GCE E-News for any non-profit use, as long as you credit GCE together with any original source mentioned in the article. |
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