On this International Education Day, we celebrate the many ways education empowers people, fosters peace and helps build resilient, democratic societies. I began my career as a teacher in rural Kenya and saw first-hand the role of education as a great equalizer and a great enabler. Now, decades later, that experience as a teacher shapes my approach to development each and every day.

At the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), we invest in high-quality education for all children and youth because education is the foundation for sustainable development and a key driver of the Journey to Self-Reliance.

The U.S. Government Strategy for International Basic Education [PDF, 2.8MB] and the USAID Education Policy [PDF, 1.6MB] recognize that achieving real, sustainable change depends on the collective contributions from a range of interconnected actors, including national and local governments, teachers, parents and caregivers, non-governmental organizations, faith-based and community groups, universities, the private sector, and others. We are committed to working through new and innovative partnerships to address the global education challenge, and to help all children and young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Last year, USAID’s investments in education reached more than 42 million children and youth in more than 50 countries. These investments enable the most marginalized and vulnerable populations to gain the skills needed to be productive members of society.

We are proud of our legacy of leadership in international education, but are clear-eyed about the challenges that remain and the new ways of doing business that are required to address them.

Please click here [PDF, 1.6MB] to read USAID's Education Policy, and here [PDF, 2.8MB] for the U.S. Government Strategy for International Basic Education.