Education Strategy: Improving Lives through Learning

In recent years, development has become a cornerstone of the U.S. national security strategy, along with defense and diplomacy. The challenge of development is broader and more multifaceted than it has ever been. It involves not only traditional development--the achievement of economic, social, and political progress--but the added challenges of strengthening fragile states, achieving progress in countries of special strategic interest, providing humanitarian relief, and addressing key global and transnational issues. This spotlight on development has illuminated the critical role of education. Not only is education one of the keys to economic growth and poverty reduction, but it is also increasingly evident that educational failure contributes to broader state instability. Expanded, high-quality education promotes stability and positive participation in the global community. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) thus includes education and training as part of its strategic efforts to promote economic prosperity and security; improve health, education, the environment, and other conditions for the global population; advance the growth of democracy and good governance; and minimize the human costs of displacement, conflict, and natural disaster. Recognition of the important role of education in development has prompted the United States and other donor nations to increase their support for education. This paper sets forth USAID's role in utilizing education as a powerful tool for development. (Contains 4 footnotes.)