Global education under inspection

The Incheon Declaration, which was signed by a dozen ministers and educators, suggests that sound policies, planning and efficient implementation are required to successfully realise the 2030 education agenda. The forum was attended by government ministers from more than 100 countries. The Incheon Declaration builds on the global Education for All (EFA) movement that was initiated in Jomtien, Thailand, in 1990 and reiterated in Dakar, Senegal, in 2000. According to Unesco press documents 58 million children currently remain out of school, most of them girls. It added that the Incheon Declaration must complete the EFA and Millennium Development Goals agendas. Meanwhile, according to the EFA 2015 Monitoring Report, 38% of children across the world are not learning the basics in reading and mathematics. It adds that over one half of these children have spent only four years in school. It also suggests that countries will not have enough primary school teachers by 2030. It also suggests that 1.4 million teachers are needed by this year while 3.4 million more will be needed by 2030. The report also calls for safe schools, additional textbooks and improved sanitation. It also highlights that although child nutrition have improved it is not enough adding that children everywhere should be supported so that they thrive, not just survive. “Poor nutrition is a global problem that is rooted in poverty. Nutrition is not just about food availability; it is also dependent on water, sanitation and health care services to which poor families often lack access,” read the report. It also suggests that better attention be given to pregnant mothers as well as financial support. “The first weeks and months of a baby’s life are essential to the health and well-being of mother and child. Though nearly all countries have legal provision for such leave, issues with enforcement remain: only 28% of employed women worldwide are likely to receive cash maternity benefits,” it read. Meanwhile although access to education has been uneven, an increase of 64% in enrolment in global pre-primary schooling has been achieved. According to the report, girls account for 49% of the increase and around half of total pre-primary enrolment in 2012. WINDHOEK JEMIMA BEUKES