Better Learning, Better Future: Education and Training Strategy for the Pacific

Abstract

T he education and training sector strategy proposed in this paper provides a framework for Asian Development Bank (ADB) support to education development in its 14 Pacific developing member countries (PDMCs).1 It supports ADB’s overarching development objective of poverty reduction (ADB 1999a) and is grounded in ADB’s overall education strategy (ADB 2003b) and in its third A Pacific Strategy for the Asian Development Bank 2005-2009: Responding to the Priorities of the Poor (ADB 2004f). It thus reflects ADB’s overarching vision for education: “All children and adults in the Asia and Pacific region will have equitable access to and complete education of sufficient quality to empower them to break out of the poverty cycle, to improve their quality of life, and to participate effectively in national development (ADB 2003b).” ADB support for educational development emphasizes increasing equity and access, improving quality, strengthening management, mobilizing resources, improving partnerships, and applying new and innovative technologies especially information and communication technology (ICT). It also supports innovative programs in literacy and nonformal education and in early childhood development with emphasis on low-cost,community-based provision. ADB is committed to helping developing member countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and supports the global movement to achieve Education for All (EFA) (See Box 1). The ADB poverty reduction strategy encompasses three pillars: (i) pro-poor, sustainable economic growth; (ii) inclusive social development; and (iii) good governance. Education helps to lay the foundation for all three pillars of poverty reduction as it is closely linked to human, economic, and social dimensions of development.