UK invests in education programmes across the Commonwealth

The UK Government is committing £217 million for three major education projects across Commonwealth countries to foster equality in accessing school systems.

Funding will support global education data gathering, teacher training in Rwanda and programmes to get girls and vulnerable children into school in Pakistan.

The announcement came on 25 June, on the last day of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda.

“There are no easy fixes in this world, but the closest thing we have to a silver bullet is girls’ education,” said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“By giving all children the chance to get at least 12 years of good schooling, we create more stable, prosperous, and happy societies.

“The UK is proud to be a world leader in championing girls’ education. The funding announced today will help end the injustice of education inequality and give millions more children the chance of a better life.”

Up to £60 million of the investment will be devolved to the Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL) programme. Complementing Rwanda’s achievements in education, the project will work with the Government to improve teachers’ English language skills and provide technical support, to further improve the quality of education and ensure girls remain in school.

The biggest funding allocation – up to £130 million – will go to the Girls and Out of School: Action for Learning (GOAL) project to help girls and vulnerable children get back into the classroom in Pakistan. The programme aims to reduce barriers and schooling costs for girls, and work with the local authorities to train teachers and improve school management.

Finally, the Data for Foundational Learning Programme will receive £27 million supporting UNESCO to track children’s learning outcomes globally.

“Supporting women and girls is at the heart of UK foreign policy. Investing in girls’ education is vital for a more sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future,” said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

“We are working with our international partners to recover the learning lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, getting 40 million more girls into school and 20 million more girls reading by 2026.

“Every girl deserves an education and at CHOGM we are helping to make this happen.”

The UK has also pledged to support women’s economic empowerment whilst tackling gender-based violence across the Commonwealth.

Last week, the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Rwanda addressed women in leadership, women’s economic empowerment and engaging men and boys, as well as different generations, in ending violence against women and girls.