Sec. 1401. Findings and statement of policy
387 words·~2 min read·
/bill/113/hr/1793/ih/section-1401A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Congress finds the following: Education is a basic human right, indispensable for human capacity development and poverty eradication. Basic education is fundamental to development. No country has reached sustained economic growth without achieving near universal primary education. Quality education reduces poverty and inequity, lays the foundation for sound governance, civic participation, and strong institutions, and equips people with the knowledge, skills, and self-reliance they need to increase income and expand opportunities for employment.
While developing countries bear the ultimate responsibility for educating their children, the United States and others donors can and should do more to help developing countries address their education needs. Investing in girls’ education delivers substantial returns not only in educational attainment but also in increasing women’s and household incomes, delaying the start of sexual activity, reducing infant mortality, increasing women’s political participation, spurring economic growth, and delaying marriage.
Lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water close to home, and to private latrines near home and at school significantly impact girls’ attendance and retention at school. Education can help to protect children in conflict situations from physical harm, exploitation, and sexual abuse, as well as to avoid the recruitment of children into armed groups and gangs. The large number of children who are not enrolled in school or who receive a poor quality education not only results in a loss of human potential, but undermines stability and progress within communities and across nations.
Expanded access to primary and secondary education will increase the need for qualified teachers, and the demand for quality colleges and universities. Exchange programs which bring citizens of developing countries to the United States for training, while helpful in expanding individual opportunities for growth, will not by themselves reach enough students and scholars to have a transformational effect on the economies and human resources of developing countries. Partnerships between educational institutions in the United States and developing countries are an important means for sharing knowledge, experience and lessons learned for the benefit of all students.
Resources to expand global education will be most effective and efficient if they are transparent, increase coordination among governments, private sector and civil society, support national plans and hold all stakeholders accountable. It is the policy of the United States to work in cooperation with the international community to achieve quality universal basic education.