Ensuring All Children Learn: Lessons from the South on What Works in Equity and Inclusion

Ensuring All Children Learn: Lessons from the South on What Works in Equity and Inclusion is a book that examines the implementation of Education for All (EFA) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and highlights critical lapses in policies and strategies. It identifies four key issues and provides solutions to attain basic education for all school-eligible children.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Ensuring All Children Learn: Lessons from the South on What Works in Equity and Inclusion is a comprehensive compilation of case studies from three southern continents, shedding light on key aspects related to access, learning, and retention in basic education within the framework of Education for All (EFA). This narrative encompasses both the disheartenment stemming from the realization that the implementation of EFA did not unfold as initially envisioned and the exploration of policy alternatives and aspirations for a more promising future. By focusing on Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the book allows readers to appreciate the diverse range of issues central to EFA while also acknowledging the geographical spread of the challenges faced. The book's findings confirm that while southern countries have embraced EFA as a overarching policy objective, empirical evidence derived from the case studies reveals significant gaps in policies and strategies.

The thematic analysis in the book is guided by four key issues: the overall experience in implementing EFA, the specific challenges encountered, the lessons learned, and prospects for the future. Addressing these challenges offers valuable insights into achieving basic education for all school-eligible children, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education.

In the first chapter, the book provides an overview of the global context and challenges associated with EFA. It highlights the need for concerted efforts to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly in developing countries, where education is a crucial tool for social and economic development. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion in education, recognizing that all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserve access to quality education.

The subsequent chapters delve into the case studies from different southern continents. Each case study presents a unique perspective on the challenges and successes faced by countries in implementing EFA. The authors provide detailed accounts of the policies, strategies, and initiatives implemented to improve access, learning, and retention in basic education. The cases cover a wide range of topics, including curriculum development, teacher training, financing, and community engagement.

One of the key findings of the book is that while southern countries have made significant progress in implementing EFA, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include inadequate funding, lack of trained teachers, poor infrastructure, and gender inequality. The authors argue that addressing these challenges requires a holistic and integrated approach that involves the collaboration of government, civil society, and the private sector.

Another important lesson learned from the case studies is the importance of community engagement in education. The authors highlight the role of parents, local communities, and non-governmental organizations in promoting education and improving the quality of education. They emphasize the need for inclusive and participatory approaches that involve all stakeholders in the education process.

The book also offers insights into the lessons learned from other countries that have successfully implemented EFA. The authors draw on examples from countries such as Brazil, China, and India to demonstrate the impact of effective policies, strategies, and initiatives on improving access, learning, and retention in basic education.

In conclusion, Ensuring All Children Learn: Lessons from the South on What Works in Equity and Inclusion is a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and activists working towards achieving basic education for all children. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by southern countries in implementing EFA and offers practical solutions and strategies for addressing these challenges. By highlighting the importance of equity, inclusion, and community engagement, the book contributes to the global effort to create a more inclusive and equitable education system.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793636270