International work

We work with governments and other organisations, alliances and networks to strengthen the voices of poor people in education decision-making at an international level, challenging the dominant role of donors and arguing for more effective, better coordinated aid.

Successes
We played an important role, as active partners of the Global Campaign for Education, in influencing the framework for action that emerged from the World Education Forum in Dakar in 2000, creating more space for national civil society to engage in future education policy processes. The challenge is now to ensure that the space that has been created is effectively used.

We influenced European Union policy on aid to education, with the ActionAid Alliance. We played a key role in facilitating the emergence of the African Network of Coalitions on Education for All (ANCEFA). Along with other agencies we persuaded the World Bank to change its policy on user fees in primary education

Maintaining the pressure
People have a right to demand substantial, effective and coordinated support from the international community for achieving Education For All. The commitment made in Dakar that no country that has a viable plan for educating its citizens will be allowed to fail for lack of resources should be taken absolutely seriously.

We have put pressure on rich governments and donors to deliver on this and other promises that they have made, and are committed to maintaining this pressure.

photo : ©Harriet Logan/ Network/ ActionAid