Promoting education – a priority area of German development policy
Promoting education is a priority area of German development policy. In its work in the education sector, the German Federal Government is guided by the internationally agreed objectives. Since the early 1990s, primary education has therefore played a key role in Germany's cooperation with partner countries. This includes non-school youth and adult education aimed at promoting literacy skills. Germany is one of the few donors actively contributing to the primary education sector as well as to the development of vocational training and higher education. Germany has acquired many years of experience in this context and can provide competent and comprehensive support to the cooperation countries in their education reforms.
Promoting education through the Development Policy Action Plan on Human Rights
The 17 practical measures defined in Germany's Development Policy Action Plan on Human Rights also include promoting education for women and girls. The aim is to establish, by 2007, a regional advisory network among the Arab countries in order to promote vocational training for girls and women.
In 2002, Germany allocated 215 million euros to promote education. One third of these funds was earmarked for primary education, one third for vocational training, and 10 percent for the tertiary sector, meaning colleges and universities. Around 20 percent of the funding was assigned to supporting education reforms, education policy and administration. For 2005, around 75 million euros have been allocated to promoting primary education within the framework of bilateral cooperation.