§ 15. Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what initiatives she is taking to help poor countries improve their education provision. [138119]
§ Clare ShortWe 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:
- (i) Contributing to the international policies and programmes designed to achieve education for all.
- (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.
- (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.