Free education is education funded through government spending or charitable organizations rather than tuition funding. Many models of free higher education have been proposed around the world. Primary school and other comprehensive or compulsory education is free in many countries (often not including primary textbook). Tertiary education is also free in certain countries, including post-graduate studies in the Nordic countries. The Article 13 of International Covenant on Economic, … [Read more...]
Learning Metrics Task Force, Rebecca Winthrop
I’m very pleased to share with you that we recently brought on former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard as a nonresident senior fellow. As prime minister, Julia Gillard made education reform a top priority in Australia, and her passion and commitment to improve education around the world will continue with her work at the center. As a fellow, she will participate in a variety of research projects, including initiatives promoting girls’ education in developing countries. We look forward to … [Read more...]
Alleviating Poverty: Mobile Communications, Micro-finance, Small Business Development
Poverty is one of the most pressing problems around the world. According to statistics from the World Bank, nearly one-quarter of the global population lives at or below the poverty line of $1.25 per day.[i] With so many people struggling for basic subsistence, it is hard for those affected to get out of poverty, gain access to capital, or develop small firms or businesses that help them build a better life. Yet with the growth of mobile technology, there are new opportunities for individuals … [Read more...]
Fiji, UNFPA Chief Stresses Women’s Empowerment, Girls Education
Following the formal opening of the G77 High-Level Panel of Eminent Personalities of the South, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin posed along with other eminent figures, including Heads of State of the Pacific Island Nations. SUVA, Fiji — If alarming rates of Violence Against Women are to be effectively addressed, the status of women needs to be elevated. UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin emphasized the fundamental, often unacknowledged, contributions of … [Read more...]
South Sudan: Girls’ Ration Increases School Attendance/Eastern Equatoria
School officials in South Sudan say a monthly take-home food ration from the World Food Programme (WFP) has helped to reduce the number of female students dropping out of school. TORIT – Education will be critical as the world’s newest country builds its future, and South Sudan’s girls are getting a better chance at an education thanks to WFP. WFP supports girls through what is known as the “Girls’ Incentive,” which is designed to encourage girls’ enrolment in school and keep them … [Read more...]