Learning to read is fundamental for success in school and life. Young children must acquire basic literacy skills that will serve them as they progress in their studies and in the working world. Yet in many developing countries, too few students are learning to read during the critical first years of school. Recent estimates indicate that the average child in a low-income country is learning at about the same level as a child in the fifth percentile of a high-income country.
On September 8, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, the Education for All-Fast Track Initiative, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will mark International Literacy Day by hosting a series of discussions on how a range of education stakeholders are addressing the challenge of improving literacy, particularly at lower primary levels, to help fulfill the promise of quality education for all.
After each panel, participants will take audience questions.
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USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah
emphasizes the importance of
measuring successful quality universal education programs by teacher
effectiveness and child outcomes. |
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Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.)
states the multiple benefits of achieving
universal education, including more
democratic societies, better health
outcomes, and economic growth.
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After the program, Administrator Shah
and Congresswoman Lowey discuss
their mutual interest in furthering the
universal education agenda. |
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USAID Deputy Chief of Staff David Barth shows Administrator Shah and
Congresswoman Lowey children’s books
Sesame Workshop showcased at the
event. (D-MA) |
All photos by Sam Kittner