Summary of BEGIN: Basic Education for Growth Initiative

1. Basic Philosophy

Emphasis on a commitment by the governments of developing countries and support of ownership
Recognition of cultural diversity and promotion of mutual understanding
Assistance based on collaboration and cooperation with the international community (partnership)
Promotion of community involvement and the utilization of local resources
Linkages with other development sectors
Utilization of Japan's experience in education

2. Priority Areas

Assistance for ensuring Access to education
- Construction of school buildings and related facilities serving various needs
- Assistance for elimination of gender disparities (girls' education)
- Assistance for non-formal education (promotion of literacy education)
- Active utilization of information and communication technology (ICT)

Assistance for improving Quality of education
- Assistance for science and mathematics education
- Assistance for teacher training
- Assistance for improvement of school administration and operation

Improvement of Management of education
- Enhancement of support for formulation of education policies and education development plans
- Assistance for improvement of educational administration system

3. New Efforts by Japan

Utilization of in-service teachers and establishment of "cooperation bases"
Promotion of wide-ranging collaboration with international frameworks
- Support to UNESCO
- Support to UNICEF
- Consideration on World Bank's Fast Track Initiative
- Participation in the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)
Support for education for post-conflict nation-building