Irish aid helps poorest to attend school

HOPES of greatly increasing the number of children attending school in poorer countries within the next six years are on target thanks in part to Irish donations.

Figures published yesterday show primary school enrolment in the poorest regions of Africa grew from 54% to 70% between 2000 and 2006. Irish Aid supports education programmes in six countries in the region.

Across the developing world, the number of children out of school has fallen from 103 million in 1999 to 75 million 10 years on.

A target of ensuring education for all children by 2015 was a Millennium Development Goal pledged by the world’s wealthy countries in the year 2000.

While generally accepted that goal will not be realised on time, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) says hopes of boosting enrolment by at least 20 million by 2015 are realistic.

Overseas Development Minister Peter Power yesterday reiterated Ireland’s commitment to the process. “Education is a fundamental human right and a core priority of Irish Aid. Everyone in Ireland knows the role which education played in fighting poverty and building our own economy.”

Mr Power marked the UNESCO report in a meeting with Dr Mamphonon Khaketla, education minister in Lesotho, where Ireland is the biggest international donor assisting education.

Attendance at primary school is now 80% thanks in part to Irish Aid investment. In Zambia and Mozambique, where Ireland also plays an important role, enrolment between 1999 and 2006 rose from 68% to 92% and 52%-76% respectively.

Around 10% of Irish Aid’s budget annually goes on education — in 2006 the figure came to e80 million.