HC Deb 22 November 2000 vol 357 c186W
15. Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what initiatives she is taking to help poor countries improve their education provision. [138119]

Clare Short

We are committed to the achievement of universal primary education (UPE) and gender equality as priorities for development. This means making a strong contribution to the international effort to achieve these targets. Our three priorities for action are:

  1. (i) Contributing to the international policies and programmes designed to achieve education for all.
  2. (ii) Strong, well targeted country programmes—with priority to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia—which provide assistance to governments and civil societies committed to UPE and gender equality. We have committed over £400 million to this work since May 1997 and will do more.
  3. (iii) Knowledge and research strategies and outcomes that will contribute to the ability of the international community. including partner countries, to learn lessons, share experience and monitor progress.

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