Education for All movement

Definition

The Education for All (EFA) movement is a global initiative aimed at providing quality basic education for all children, youth, and adults. It was launched at the World Conference on Education for All in 1990 and has since been a driving force in promoting universal access to education and improving educational outcomes worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The EFA movement was launched at the World Conference on Education for All in Jomtien, Thailand, in 1990, where representatives from 155 countries and over 150 organizations committed to providing basic education for all.
2. The EFA movement has focused on improving access to education, particularly for marginalized groups such as girls, children in poverty, and those with disabilities.
3. The EFA movement has played a significant role in increasing global primary school enrollment, with the number of out-of-school children of primary school age decreasing from 100 million in 2000 to 59 million in 2018.
4. The EFA movement has also emphasized the importance of improving the quality of education, with a focus on improving learning outcomes and ensuring that all children acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills.
5. The EFA movement has been supported by various international organizations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Bank, and bilateral and multilateral aid agencies.

Review Questions

• Describe the key goals and objectives of the Education for All (EFA) movement.
  • The primary goals of the Education for All (EFA) movement are to ensure universal access to quality basic education for all children, youth, and adults, and to improve learning outcomes and educational quality. This includes a focus on increasing enrollment in primary education, particularly for marginalized groups, and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning to ensure that all students acquire essential literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
• Explain the role of international organizations in supporting the EFA movement and its implementation.
  • The EFA movement has been supported by a range of international organizations, including UNESCO, the World Bank, and various bilateral and multilateral aid agencies. These organizations have provided technical and financial assistance to countries to help them develop and implement policies and programs aimed at achieving the EFA goals. They have also played a key role in coordinating global efforts, monitoring progress, and advocating for increased investment in education at the national and international levels.
• Analyze the impact of the EFA movement on global education outcomes and the challenges that remain in achieving its goals.
  • The EFA movement has made significant progress in increasing access to primary education, with the number of out-of-school children of primary school age decreasing from 100 million in 2000 to 59 million in 2018. However, significant challenges remain in achieving universal primary education and improving the quality of education. Many countries still struggle with issues such as inadequate funding, teacher shortages, and disparities in educational access and outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups. Continued efforts and sustained commitment from governments, international organizations, and civil society will be necessary to fully realize the goals of the EFA movement and ensure that all children, youth, and adults have access to quality educational opportunities.

Related terms

Universal Primary Education (UPE): A key goal of the EFA movement, which aims to ensure that all children have access to and complete a full course of primary schooling.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): A set of eight international development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2000, with the second goal being to achieve universal primary education by 2015.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, with the fourth goal being to 'ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.'