That’s right two and a half million children who otherwise would not get any education – and so be condemned to a life of poverty – will now enjoy their right to an education because you made it happen.
How did you do it? Well, this week the Australian government pledged $278 million over four years to support a global education funding initiative called The Global Partnership for Education.
This organisation brings together countries and other big aid donors, together with developing country governments, to raise funds for education.
Broadly speaking Australia’s contribution will help get another 2.5 million children into school, and help supply materials and training to their teachers. That'll cost you and I about ten cents out of every $100 we pay in tax, pretty good value I’d say.
The Global Partnership for Education – as you can see from the video - is all about pooling funds and then targeting them in a coordinated way to reach those most in need. The organisation works with local authorities and NGOs to spend the money effectively.
ActionAid is a big supporter of this approach and has been lobbying the Australian Government to be generous contributors. It’s great news that they have done just that – and in doing so have helped persuade other countries to support as well.
ActionAid Australia has been coordinating a coalition of aid groups to help lobby for this outcome so thanks too to the Australian Education Union, Childfund, Plan, ASPBAE, Adult Learning Australia, Live and Learn and Results Australia for being part of securing this support for basic education.
Most thanks though, goes to you for supporting ActionAid, and for supporting Australia’s Aid efforts in general – and remember 2.5million children are thanking you for the ten cents.
