UK Government girl’s education commitment requires more funding

Mark Sheard, CEO of @WorldVisionUK comments on the @G7 Declaration on girls’ education, and said:

“World Vision UK welcomes the G7 Declaration on girls’ education and its global target to get 40 million more girls into school by 2026, but this must truly mean 40 million more girls.”

“Many girls have had to leave education due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is vital that these learners are able to resume their education. For this to happen, whilst also meeting the commitment to get 40 million more girls into school, the UK Government must commit to substantial additional funding, otherwise the events of 2020 could see progress set back by up to a decade.”

“There are many barriers to getting girls into school, including affordability, accessibility, and security. Schools must be a safe learning environment for every child, but special attention must be given to historically marginalised groups, including girls. Therefore, funding for girl’s education and violence against children must return to the level before the recent cuts were announced. Only then can the UK Government celebrate creating access for 40 million more girls. 

“Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 130 million girls world-wide who had no access to education, and this number has increased dramatically due to school closures and the exacerbation of poverty in already struggling communities. Any reduction in foreign aid can have a knock-on effect on the numbers of girls in education as families turn to extreme measures to make ends meet, including child exploitation and child marriage.”

“To meet the declaration of its commitment to bringing 40 million more girls into education, the G7 and the FCDO must commit to increase spending on foreign aid, despite this temporary reduction in official development assistance. Without this, we risk failing to fulfil the full potential of an entire generation.”