From the just concluded summit that involved country leaders across different provinces, there is a report that there is a monetary commitment of the sum of $4bn to the global education sector. Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, expresses that investing in education, especially in the poorest countries, is a positive approach to the development of humans. He made this statement after the summit in London.

“Through the Global Partnership for Education, a sum of $4bn will be used to support schools across different locations,” Boris reiterates. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Prize winner, emphasized the importance of female learning and the current challenges in the education sector during the global event.

Despite this good gesture, some charity organizations in the UK advise the government against committing a considerable amount as it might harm fundraising processes. Furthermore, the initial plan of the Global Partnership for Education was to raise $5bn to support 175 million school children for five years. However, a source confirms that despite the fund being short of the expected amount, it can still cover education costs for more than 90 countries in urgent need of school support.

Some of the pledges made at the summit that includes representatives of Kenya and the UK are; EU contributed 595m(euros), 300m(euros) from Norway, 218m(euros) from the US, 173m(euros) from Canada.

Julia Gillard, the chairman of the aid organization and former Australian PM, expresses that raising the intended $5bn is still possible. Still, it will need a different approach which implies that the money will accumulate in stages.

Julia said the effect of covid on most developing countries affects the education sector as there are reports that some schools have to shut down. In addition, lack of access to learning facilities means some communities might go days without internet or electricity.

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this international fundraising initiative tackles ignorance and boosts an underdeveloped country’s economy. In his words, “I am happy with the conclusion of this summit and proud that the UK was able to contribute to this initiative despite the financial crisis.”

“Quality education is what the world needs for development with attention to girl education. Knowledge is a universal cure for positive development,” he told the summit.

In another report, a charity organization, Saves the Children, expressed that its fundraising has diminished after the UK government cut its aid, making it lose leverage on the world stage.

Another organization, One anti-poverty campaign, reported that they experienced underwhelming results because of the UK aid cut, damaging their credibility. In addition, the director of Oxfam, Gabriela Bucher, said instead of world billionaires competing on launching space rockets, there is a need to fund millions of out-of-school children.

Malala Yousafzai said the investment in education funds should give importance to countries that provide few opportunities for female learners because of their gender. “There is a low global record of girls’ education, with more than 130 million out-of-school children because of the pandemic. With this privilege, learners will have the opportunity to fight for their future,” Malala said.
Source: https://www.educram.com/world-leaders-pledge-4bn-for-schools-despite-covid-effect-on-economy/