Under the U.S. Government Strategy on International Basic Education, USAID, the Department of State, Department of Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and other agencies are working to increase equitable access to quality education, particularly for the most marginalized.
Namuh Media for USAID
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote learning opportunities for all
With more than 19 million children, Bangladesh has one of the largest primary education systems in the world. However, only 25 percent of fifth-grade students can read with comprehension at their grade level. Schools emphasize memorization over comprehension, making it difficult for children to read well or understand what they are reading. And, without being able to read with comprehension, students don’t do well in other subjects.
USAID is helping primary school children like Joynur (pictured) by training teachers to emphasize reading with comprehension, and installing reading corners in classrooms to provide access to books. Community reading camps also provide children with reading materials and educational games aligned with their textbooks.
Investing in education is vital to build more stable, democratic societies. When children and youth are prepared to go to school, learn, and gain the skills they need for life and work, they are able to build more hopeful and prosperous futures for themselves, their families, communities, and countries.