Basic Education Coalition

The Basic Education Coalition is an independent, non-profit advocacy organization working to ensure that all children around the world have access to a quality basic education. The Coalition is comprised of 18 member organizations with technical expertise and experience in all aspects of global basic education programs and policies. We are the only U.S. consortium of major international development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy organizations working together to advance the cause of universal basic education.

The Coalition strongly believes that basic education – literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and life skills – offers children the best hope of lifting themselves from a life of poverty and despair, and is the foundation for all other development objectives.

We believe basic education directly impacts all aspects of human development, including economic growth, health, nutrition, agricultural production, women and girls’ empowerment, human rights, and security. Investing in basic education is a key tool of U.S. “smart power” and is one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve long-term sustainable development. Together with our partner organizations, the Coalition works to influence U.S. policymakers in Congress and the Administration to enhance the effectiveness of U.S. global education programs and policies and increase the resources devoted to global basic education, while also raising public awareness of the importance of educating all children around the world.