The 2023-2024 school year is in full swing and millions of American children wake up each day and head to school. This reality is not possible without the tremendous teachers, school administrators, cafeteria workers and custodians, bus drivers, local and community leaders, and so many others — all of whom deserve our deep gratitude not only during this year’s American Education Week, but every day. While we give thanks to educators in our own country, we must also remember that more than 250 million children around the world currently do not have the opportunity to attend school. According to the United Nations, 1 out of 10 children worldwide are not in school. In countries in Africa south of the Sahara the number of children out of school is even more staggering and the need for additional international focus and investment is even more acute.
As a proud member of Congress from New York and the CEO of the international education non-profit, World Learning, we believe that education is paramount. We must prioritize access to quality education for every child in our own country and around the world. Quality education is just as critical for children in Queens as it is for children in Quito.
At the individual level, education leads to improved health outcomes, lower rates of poverty, increased economic opportunity, and self-reliance. According to the World Bank, for communities, education spurs long-term economic growth, strengthens democratic institutions, and promotes social cohesion. Simply put, investing in education is not only the right thing to do, but it also supports our national security and shared economic prosperity.
The United States, during both Republican and Democratic administrations, has been a leader in contributing to education programs in the developing world. During the previous fiscal year, through the tremendous work of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other government agencies, the U.S. was able to reach over 32 million learners in 97 countries, distribute over 12 million textbooks and other learning materials, and train and provide professional development to over 820,000 teachers and educators. USAID tracks these programs from year to year and measures and reports on the extent to which they’re improving both learning outcomes and capabilities within education systems. This critical monitoring and transparency was required by Congress in the bipartisan Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act of 2017.
Thanks to the READ Act, we know that these programs are some of the best investments our government can make, particularly in countries with high youth populations in need of hope for the future. For example, in Pakistan between 2013 to 2019, World Learning worked in more than 3,000 under resourced schools to help nearly 120,000 marginalized first and second graders learn to read while also investing in a hands-on, collaborative training model for teachers that remains in place in many Pakistani primary schools today. In a country where millions of
children, especially girls, are out of school, being able to read is one of the best ways to ensure that they can lead full and meaningful lives.
Ultimately, it is up to Congress to ensure the U.S. remains a global champion for international education. A crucial way to do this is by reauthorizing the READ Act, which expired earlier this year. In addition to a data-rich annual report, the READ Act requires USAID to update its comprehensive strategy to improve educational opportunities in countries where there are significant barriers to school attendance, retention, and completion, especially for girls. The READ Act also created the important position of Coordinator for International Basic Education within USAID who is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all international education resources and activities across the U.S. government.
We believe that reauthorizing the READ Act is critical to the wellbeing of the next generation of the world’s citizens. Thankfully, on Nov. 6, the Senate passed the READ Act and sent it to the House of Representatives, where it has broad, bipartisan support, but awaits committee consideration and passage. On behalf of the world’s children, we urge House leaders to quickly pass the READ Act, and send it to the president’s desk without further delay.
Grace Meng is serving her sixth term in the United States House of Representatives, where she represents New York’s 6th District. Carol Jenkins is the CEO of World Learning, a Vermont-based international nongovernmental organization (NGO) and accredited academic institution.