GPE impact

Since GPE was created, 160 million more children, more than half of them girls, are in school in partner countries.

With GPE's support, partner countries are building stronger education systems that give children a quality education, putting them on the path to reach their full potential and contribute to more sustainable, peaceful and resilient societies.

GPE’s approach improves education at a systems level to create lasting change at scale. By looking at the big picture and going beyond individual schools, teachers or students, GPE leverages the profound transformations required to deliver 12 years of quality education for every girl and boy.

6 ways GPE achieves results

1

We leave no one behind
 

GPE supports countries with the greatest education needs and targets the hardest-to-reach children. More than 60% of our funding goes to countries affected by fragility and conflict, which have some of the highest rates of out-of-school children and the lowest levels of learning but lack the resources to sustainably build their education systems.

160 million more children are in school in partner countries

Democratic Republic of Congo: New classrooms keep children learning despite crises
In DR Congo, with GPE support, thousands of children can continue to go to school thanks to efforts to rebuild and equip schools that have been damaged by natural disasters or other crises.
Zimbabwe: A stronger education system after Cyclone Idai
In 2020, the government of Zimbabwe received a US$2.34 million GPE grant implemented by Save the Children. Read how the grant has contributed toward efforts to increase access to quality, inclusive and uninterrupted education for marginalized students in the country, with a focus on improving disaster resilience.
Pakistan: Technology boosts education reform in remote areas
Technology solutions, spearheaded by a US$100 million grant from GPE, are transforming governance and accountability in the Balochistan and Sindh provinces of Pakistan, improving education for children facing the greatest barriers.

2

We transform education systems
 

GPE supports partner countries to strengthen their education systems and increase the number of children who are in school and learning. Strong education systems ensure that all children have access to quality education and can endure for future generations.

70% of partner countries with data improved learning outcomes

Kyrgyz Republic: Preparing children for primary school
With the support of the Global Partnership for Education, more children in the Kyrgyz Republic are acquiring the building blocks of a quality education.
Mozambique: Candida returns to school after devastation of two cyclones
Candida Inácio was among the hundreds of thousands of students who were affected by the cyclones which made landfall in Mozambique. Today, she is happy that she can attend a new school built with support from GPE.
South Sudan: Securing a brighter future for children affected by conflict
In South Sudan, about 3 in 5 children are not in school. With support from GPE and UNICEF, the government of South Sudan is making progress in enrolling children against a backdrop of political instability, a struggling economy and armed conflict.

3

We put gender equality at the heart of education systems
 

By putting gender at the center of all we do, GPE supports governments to involve teachers, parents, students and communities in creating a more gender equal world. GPE works to identify and address the specific obstacles faced by girls and boys in achieving education, close gender gaps, and enable countries where girls lag furthest behind to make bigger strides.

Twice as many girls are on the path to equality in partner countries

Nigeria: Keeping boys and girls in school and learning
GPE is supporting several states in Nigeria to reach out-of-school children and ensure they can access school and receive quality learning, including basic literacy and numeracy, as well as English and social sciences alongside religious education in integrated Islamyya schools.
Mauritania: Distance shouldn’t stand between girls and their education
Meet 14-year-old Aichetou from Tarhil, Mauritania. She was able to transition from primary to lower secondary school thanks to a new school built near her home. This school is part of GPE’s support to Mauritania, to ensure that fewer girls drop out after primary school.
Nepal: Reaching the most disadvantaged children with education
Nepal’s Consolidated Equity Strategy for the Education Sector is removing barriers to access, participation and learning for children facing the starkest and most complex disparities.

4

We support teacher training and better allocation of teachers within countries
 

Teachers are central to children's learning. GPE supports lower-income countries to improve the quality of education by ensuring all teachers are qualified, motivated and well supported.

67 million more children have access to quality teachers

Uganda: Building a stronger teaching force
Between 2014 and 2020, GPE supported the Uganda Teacher and School Effectiveness program, which is focused on training and supporting teachers so they can use new and innovative ways to significantly improve children’s learning.
Ghana: Making quality education available to more children
A multi-pronged approach in Ghana is helping more children access quality education.
Sierra Leone: The power of great teaching in times of crisis
The Ebola crisis that plagued Sierra Leone in 2014-2016 had an unexpected positive consequence: giving learners access to the country’s best teachers through an innovative radio educational program. This experience served the country well when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

5

Our partnership approach delivers greater impact
 

GPE's unique model brings together all education partners in local education groups in support of countries' priorities. Together, partners contribute at all phases of the education planning cycle, from sector analysis to evaluation. This inclusive approach strengthens the credibility and relevance of education plans and aligns partners behind the priorities outlined in the plan, ensuring reforms are strongly endorsed by all stakeholders.

97% of sector plans include strategies on support to the most marginalized, including girls and children with disabilities

Rwanda: Making strides in equity and inclusion
Rwanda is building a knowledge economy which will rest solidly on an educated human capital. With the help of GPE and other partners, the government is making education a priority, especially for young children, girls and children with disabilities.
Somalia: Giving more children the opportunity to learn during emergencies
With support from GPE, the Federal Government of Somalia is focusing on the most vulnerable children to ensure they are in school and learning.
Vanuatu: Tackling the impact of natural disasters by building a resilient education system
Vanuatu is considered the world’s most at-risk country for natural disasters. GPE is supporting the government to build a resilient education system to ensure learning continues for all children during and after natural disasters, as well as in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

6

We increase and improve financing for education
 

GPE creates incentives for partner countries to develop financially sustainable education sector plans, increase national budget allocations and improve the equity and efficiency of education expenditure. Over time, partner countries have consistently shown that they increase domestic budgets dedicated to education at a faster pace than other lower-income countries.

With innovative financing tools such as the GPE Multiplier, GPE crowds in more external support behind investments to deliver transformation. By using our funds as catalytic capital to drive more and better external financing for education, and by advocating for funding to be aligned behind national priorities, GPE achieves a disproportionate impact that goes far beyond the direct funds we invest.

US$6 billion saved through more efficient education spending

Kenya: Investing in education for a better future
GPE's support to Kenya has been invaluable in ensuring the country achieved universal primary education. With help from GPE, the government is comprehensively reforming its education sector to ensure girls and boys have access to quality education.
How the GPE Multiplier shifted incentives for better learning in Papua New Guinea
PNG's example demonstrates how the Multiplier mobilizes more funding, fosters partnerships, and reduces fragmentation—a more effective way to strengthen a country's education system.
Tanzania is making education financing work better for all children to leave no one behind
Tanzania has taken bold commitments to make its education system better and accessible to more children. Thanks to GPE’s support, those commitments are paying off.