Issues in Basic Education in Developing Countries : An Exploration of Policy Options for Improved Delivery

For more than 40 years, different stakeholders have partnered to support the development of basic education throughout the developing countries. Education is widely regarded as the route to economic prosperity, the key to scientific and technological advancement, the means to combat unemployment, the foundation of social equity, and the spread of political socialization and cultural vitality. While progress has been made in increasing the number of children enrolled in schools, there are still many more who are not enrolled and who do not complete. There are many reasons for this. The evidence showed that the strategies needed to tackle schooling problems will vary and needs to be country specific. While many lessons can be got from the experiences to date, there is need for an increased number of studies that should shape policies aimed at making education inclusive, responding to the diverse needs and circumstances of learners and giving appropriate weight to the abilities, skills, and knowledge they bring to the teaching learning process.